Texas

Earl Campbell 1977
(Authentic Reproduction)

After years of being steamrolled by the oversized players whenever a play continued out of bounds the sideline photographers finally got their revenge -- or so they thought. A story hit the news wire where a University of Texas player ran out of bounds and collided full speed into the team's mascot -- a live 2,000 pound steer. The only problem was that the Texas player was named Earl Campbell and just like the many sideline photographers in the past the poor steer ended up on the ground while Earl, unfazed by the collision, instinctively resumed his attempt to turn the corner and head towards the goal line.

If that steer is still alive today you might find a "MacGregor MH-100" branded in its hide because that was the only type of helmet Earl wore while in college. Most clear shell MacGregor helmets had both the team decals and paint applied to the inner surface of the shell. The Longhorn decals (and player numbers) on Earl's helmet were applied to the outside surface of the shell (see picture) while only the paint was applied to the inner surface. With this helmet Earl's used an Adams "N-1000" nylon double bar facemask and the optional Adams "N-800" nylon center bar. This type of mask was favored with most southwestern college teams especially those who wore MacGregor helmets. In his rookie year with the Houston Oilers Earl Switched to Riddell "PAC-3" helmet with a Schutt "nopo" style mask. After his rookie year he signed an endorsement contract with Rawlings and wore a Rawlings helmet and a Schutt "nopo" facemask for the majority of his professional career. After his contract with Rawlings had expired Earl switched back to a Riddell helmet while finishing his career with New Orleans Saints.