Personal Stories part 1 (Leon "Muscles" Campbell)

Leon "Muscles" Campbell was a former NFL player who earned his nickname after bending a railroad spike shortly after enrolling at the University of Arkansas in 1946. He died at age 75 of malignant mesothelioma at University Hospital in Little Rock on September 2, 2002.

Campbell played for Baltimore, Chicago and Pittsburgh in a six-year NFL career. He scored his only professional touchdownon a 1952 kickoff return. Knee injuries forced him to retire after the 1955 season.

His best year as a pro was in 1953, when he had 659 yards rushing, receiving and on kick returns. After spending 1955 with the Steelers, he retired with 1,306 total yards. He worked for Reynolds Metals Co. in Bauxite for 30 years.

Campbell was a four-year letterman at Arkansas, rushing for 1,335 yards on 295 carries from 1946-49. The fullback-linebacker held the one-game rushing record of 236 yards until 1973.

Teammate Clyde Scott said that when Campbell arrived at Arkansas, he walked into Scott's room with a railroad spike and a towel. He wrapped the towel around the spike and pulled, bending the iron rod.

Campbell leaves behind a wife, Patricia, his family, and many friends and fans.