Thurman Thomas

NFL
NFL Most Valuable Player (1991)
NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1991)[1]
2× First-team All-Pro (1990, 1991)
3× Second-team All-Pro (1989, 1992, 1993)
5× Pro Bowl (1989–1993)
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame
Buffalo Bills 50th Anniversary Team
Buffalo Bills No. 34 retired
Consensus All-American (1985)
First-team All-American (1987)
2× Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year (1985, 1987)
3× First-team All-Big Eight (1985, 1986, 1987)
Oklahoma State Cowboys No. 34 retired

About Thurman Thomas

Thurman Thomas: The Heartbeat of Buffalo Bills Football

Born on May 16, 1966, Thurman Thomas is more than just a Hall of Fame running back—he’s a true Buffalo icon. Immortalized by his incredible career with the Buffalo Bills and his enduring connection to the community, Thomas is celebrated not only for his skills on the field but for his impact on the city he fondly calls home.

From Humble Beginnings to Gridiron Greatness

Thurman Thomas’s journey to NFL stardom began in Houston, Texas, where he was born and raised. A standout athlete at Willowridge High School, his talent paved the way to Oklahoma State University, where he continued to make waves as a dominant player. At OSU, he shared the backfield with Barry Sanders, one of the greatest running backs of all time. Despite suffering a knee injury, Thomas’s grit and determination shone through, setting him apart as a player destined for greatness.

Thomas entered the 1988 NFL Draft and, much to Buffalo’s fortune, was selected in the second round. Heartbreakingly passed over in the first round due to injury concerns, Thomas arrived in Buffalo with a hunger to prove himself—and that he did.

The Buffalo Bills Dynasty Years

Thurman Thomas’s time with the Buffalo Bills turned out to be nothing short of legendary. From 1988 to 1999, Thomas epitomized the role of the all-purpose back, combining his rushing prowess, pass-catching ability, and canny blocking skills to help power the Bills’ offense.

Thomas was a key figure in Buffalo’s unprecedented run of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1990 to 1993. While a Super Bowl ring eluded the Bills, Thomas’s contributions on the field left an indelible mark. His versatility and relentless drive earned him the NFL MVP award in 1991, a rare honor for a running back. Over the years, he amassed 12,074 rushing yards, 4,458 receiving yards, and 88 total touchdowns—a career that still mesmerizes football fans today.

A Community Champion

What truly cements Thurman Thomas as a Buffalo icon isn’t just his Hall of Fame career—it’s his deep love and commitment to the community he represented. Known for his approachable and down-to-earth personality, Thomas embraced Buffalo, endearing himself to a city celebrated for its blue-collar spirit and passionate sports fandom.

Even after his retirement, Thomas has remained a fixture in the Buffalo community. Through his foundation, he has supported countless causes, from youth programs to mental health initiatives, establishing himself as a pillar of support for the people of Western New York. His philanthropic work reflects the same dedication and drive he showed on the football field, making him not just a sports hero, but a role model for future generations.

Thurman Thomas’s Lasting Legacy

In 2007, Thomas took his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in NFL history. But for Buffalo fans, he’s so much more than the statistics and awards. He symbolizes an era of hope, excitement, and community pride—a time when the Bills showed the world what the city of Buffalo was capable of.

Today, no conversation about Buffalo sports history is complete without mentioning Thurman Thomas. Streets, parks, and memories across the city carry his name, ensuring that his legacy will endure. Whether it’s through his charity work, his smiling engagement with fans, or the countless highlights of him breaking tackles on the field, Thurman Thomas’s story is forever intertwined with Buffalo’s identity.

More Than Just a Football Star

Thurman Thomas is Buffalo’s adopted son—a symbol of perseverance, humility, and excellence both on and off the field. For Bills fans young and old, he remains a cherished part of the team’s lore and a testament to what it means to be a Buffalo icon.

“Once a Bill, always a Bill,” Thomas famously said. And for the city of Buffalo, he will always be their champion, their hero, and their Thurman.