Place of birth Halifax, Virginia Nationality American Role American football player | Name Earl Ferrell College East Tennessee State Positions Running back | |
Date of birth (1958-03-27) March 27, 1958 (age 57) NFL draft 1982 / Round: 5 / Pick 125 1982-1989 St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals Education East Tennessee State University | ||
Earl Thomas Ferrell (born March 27, 1958 in Halifax, Virginia), is a former professional American football player who was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 5th round of the 1982 NFL Draft. A 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m), 220 lbs. running back from East Tennessee State, Ferrell played his entire NFL career for the Cardinals from 1982 to 1989. He led all Cardinals running backs in rushing yards during the 1988 and 1989 seasons, the team's first two years playing in Phoenix.
He was the second player, and one of only four in the school's history, to be selected in the draft and play in the NFL after playing college football at ETSU.
Despite a Pro Bowl appearance in each of his final two seasons, Ferrell's career was cut short due to problems with illegal drugs. In 1988, Ferrell reportedly tested positive three times for cocaine, and prior to the 1990 season, he was suspended for one year due to another failed drug test. He never played in the NFL again. On getting the news of his suspension, Ferrell chose to retire.