The Rise and Fall of Earl Campbell Sausage

Earl Campbell sausage was once a popular brand of smoked sausage that could be found in grocery stores across Texas. With its distinctive flavor and tie to legendary Longhorns football player Earl Campbell, it developed a cult following among fans. However, over time the sausage disappeared from store shelves, leaving many wondering what exactly happened to Earl Campbell sausage.

In this article, we’ll take a look back at the history of this iconic Texas sausage We’ll explore its heyday popularity, the reasons for its downfall, and whether there are any remaining ways to get a taste of this classic smoked link. If you have fond memories of Earl Campbell sausage, keep reading to learn about its fascinating story!

Earl Campbell Sausage Arrives on the Scene

Earl Campbell sausage made its debut in the late 1970s when Campbell was at the height of his college football career with the University of Texas Longhorns. Campbell won the Heisman Trophy in 1977 after a season of dominant performances

Capitalizing on his popularity, Campbell signed an endorsement deal with Dallas-based Motts Inc. to produce a line of smoked sausages bearing his name. The sausage debuted in grocery stores across Texas in 1978 and was an immediate hit among Longhorns fans.

Signature Flavor Makes It a Texas Favorite

So what distinguished Earl Campbell sausage from other smoked sausages and helped make it so popular?

Its signature flavor came from the use of beef and pork, along with a distinctive mix of spices. This gave the sausage a bold, smoky flavor with a hint of spice that many fans loved. The pork added juiciness while the beef provided richness.

The savory sausage was often prepared fried with eggs for breakfast tacos or grilled for dinner links. The Campbell name also drew interest, as Earl Campbell sausage signified Texas football pride.

Distribution Expands in Heyday of the 1980s

As Earl Campbell sausage grew in popularity through the late 70s and early 80s, distribution expanded to more grocery chains throughout Texas. This allowed the sausage to become a refrigerator staple in many households during its peak years.

By the mid-1980s, Earl Campbell sausage could be found in major Texas supermarket chains like H-E-B, Randalls and Kroger. The brand also benefited from Campbell’s induction into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1991, further cementing his Texas legend status.

Sliding Sales Lead to Discontinuation in the ‘90s

However, even Texas legends eventually fade. While Earl Campbell sausage maintained a core group of devotees, its popularity slowly declined through the 1990s. There are a few reasons speculated for this decline:

• Growing competition from other specialty sausage brands

• Health concerns over its high fat/sodium content

• Loss of novelty as years passed from Campbell’s playing days

• Distribution limited mainly to Texas markets

By the late ‘90s, Motts Inc. made the decision to discontinue Earl Campbell sausage due to lagging sales. It was a sad day for fans when the product disappeared from store shelves. However, for some die-hards, the search was on to find and revive the beloved sausage.

The Hunt to Bring Back the Links

In the 2000s, there were a few unsuccessful attempts by independent companies to bring back Earl Campbell sausage and capture fans of the original.

In 2006, an energy executive secured the rights from Campbell to revive the sausage under the name Real Earl Campbell Sausage. However, distribution was very limited and it quickly went out of business.

Other small batches of “Earl Campbell-style” sausages have occasionally been sold at Texas farmers markets and meat shops. However, none have managed to perfectly recreate the memorable flavor and nostalgia of the original links.

Where to Get Your Earl Campbell Sausage Fix Today

While Earl Campbell sausage is no longer in mass production, there are still a few options for getting your hands on the links:

• Amazon – Some vendors sell frozen Real Earl Campbell sausages through Amazon. However, supply is limited.

• eBay – Sausage fans sometimes auction off frozen vintage packs from the ‘80s or ‘90s. You may get lucky here.

• Texas meat markets – Specialty sausage and bbq shops may offer limited runs when they can get casing and recipes.

• DIY – There are some clone recipes online you can try making at home if you’re ambitious!

• Football memorabilia – Old Earl Campbell sausage packs in good condition sometimes show up for collectors.

The Legacy Lives On

While you may not find it in your local grocery store today, for Texans who grew up enjoying the links, Earl Campbell sausage remains a nostalgic staple. It represents a spirited era when a Texas football hero inspired hometown pride. The sausage may be gone, but the memories — and the quest to find it — will continue among Lone Star State fans.