Earl Campbell and son join MS fight

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Texas Longhorn football legend Earl Campbell has scored big in the fight against multiple sclerosis.  He and his son Tyler presented a check to the National MS Society for $60,000 on Tuesday in Downtown Austin.

Tyler, 25, was diagnosed with MS in 2007 while attending San Diego State University.  Since then, the two have teamed up to raise money and awareness for people affected by the disease.

"I'm very proud of my son," said Earl Campbell. "Not only does [Tyler] have MS, but he's also gotten involved in doing the very best he can at working at it, and trying to give back."

They also awarded two college scholarships at the event. The National MS Society provided 22 high school seniors in Texas with scholarships for the 2012 academic year.

"Words can't describe it," said Justin Williams, one of the scholarship recipients. "It's definitely made it a reality for me to attend an elite university like the University of Texas. It's helping make my dreams come true."

MS can have a substantial financial impact on a family. The direct and indirect costs of MS are estimated at more than $70,000 a year per household, making college tuition a much tougher expense.

The Campbell's fundraising efforts came from the Flavors of Austin and Flavors of the Gaslamp (San Diego) events. They also raised money through sales of the limited edition autographed painting "The Unstoppable Earl Campbell" featuring the 1977 Heisman winner with Warner Bros. Looney Tunes characters.

Tyler Campbell's football career was cut short, but he has taken tenacious attitude that defined his dad's running style, and used it in his own way.

"For me, I've kind of found my niche," said Tyler Campbell. "Being philanthropic was something my parents always harped on. It feels good to take it to the next level."

Next year's Flavors of Austin fundraiser will be on March 2. For more information on "The Unstoppable Earl Campbell" artwork, go to www.theunstoppableearlcampbell.org .