Thurman Thomas Career NFL Stats 1988-2000 |
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G |
RATT |
YARDS |
YPR |
RTD |
REC |
RECYARDS |
RECTD |
TOUCHES |
SCRIMMAGE |
TOTTD |
182 |
2,877 |
12,074 |
4.2 |
65 |
472 |
4,458 |
23 |
3,349 |
16,532 |
88 |
Thurman Lee Thomas was born on May 16, 1966 in Houston, TX. He is the son of Terlisha and Thurman Thomas Sr. His parents divorced when he was young. Thomas didn’t let the hard times growing up deter him from his dreams, and he didn't let his size either. Like legendary running backs Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson, Thomas’ small size wasn’t always ideal for some. As he got older, coaches were more worried about his physical durability than his athletic gifts. However, like the Hall of Famers mentions, Thomas would prove them wrong.
Thomas attended Willowridge High School. He had a remarkable career in high school, rushing for almost 4,000 yards and leading his team to a state title. Although Thomas had the prolific numbers and was an All-State and All-American running back, his size was an issue for some college programs. The athletic Thomas was also a good defensive back and most colleges only wanted him if he accepted that position. Thomas wanted to run the ball and Oklahoma State University recruited him for that reason. He accepted their offer and became one of the best college running backs in the nation.
Thurman Thomas College Career Stats and Notes
Thomas played for Oklahoma State from 1984-87. He rushed for 4,847 yards and 43 TDs during his college career. He led the Cowboys to three bowl game appearances. Thomas' mission to prove to colleges that his size didn't matter was complete as he was also selected as a 2-time First Team All-American.
Awards and Achievements |
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MVP
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All-Pro
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1st Team: 1990, 1991 2nd Team: 1989, 1992, 1993 |
Pro Bowl Selections |
1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
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Rushing Titles: |
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Achievements
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NFL Offensive Player of the Year 1991 |
Thurman Thomas NFL Career Stats and Notes
Thomas was selected in the second round (40th overall) in the 1988 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He spent all but one of his 13 years in the league with the team from upstate New York. Teamed with Hall of Famers Jim Kelly and Andre Reed, Thomas and the Bills had a juggernaut in the early 1990s. So much so they set an NFL record with four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Thomas rushed for over 1,000 yards in 8 of his twelve seasons in Buffalo. In 2000, Thomas made the late move in his career to another team. He signed with the Bills' rival Miami Dolphins for one season before retiring. Thomas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Thurman Thomas 1991 NFL MVP Season
In the middle of the Bills unforgettable run of making four straight Super Bowls, Thurman Thomas emerged as one of the premier running backs in the league. Competing along with running back greats such as Sanders, Smith and Eric Dickerson, Thomas proved in 1991 why he belonged in that conversation.
The 1991 Bills had another great season and added their second straight AFC crown thanks to Thomas. He racked up 2,137 all-purpose yards (1,407 rushing, 631 receiving) and 12 total TDs during his remarkable season. His play powered the Bills to a 13-3 record and a second consecutive trip to the Super Bowl. Individually, Thomas was named the 1991 NFL MVP.