Thurman Thomas sat down a few days ago with the intention of writing the Pro Football Hall of Fame acceptance speech he’ll deliver in Canton, Ohio on Aug. 4. But as luck would have it he developed a case of writer’s block, only getting as far as “Thank you, thank you very much.” Thomas likens the preparations for the Hall Of Fame ceremont to that of several weddings; his wife Patty has already sent out 750 invitations.
As a result of his induction announcement back in February 2007, the value of Thurman Thomas memorabilia (including autographs) has skyrocketed in value. And as you can well imagine, the card show promoters are courting him like crazy. Thomas has come a very long way from that day back in 1988 when he himself wondered if he would even be drafted at all. 39 players were drafted before him, including several running backs, and he remembered that snubbing every time he touched the football during his 13-year NFL career.
Bills all-time leading receiver Andre Reed said, “He was the guy who made our offense click. Thurman carried the biggest load in the no-huddle. He was so versatile. He could run, he could catch and he could block. I don’t know if there’s ever been a more complete or fearless back in the history of the game.” Thomas rushed for more yards (11,983) than any Bill, and ranks third on the team’s all-time receiving list with 472 receptions for 4,458 yards. He also scored a franchise-best 88 touchdowns. In addition, Thomas earned five Pro Bowl invitations, became the first player in history to lead the NFL in yards from scrimmage four consecutive years and was named league MVP in 1991.
Like teammate Jim Kelly before him, Thomas has chosen his former coach, Marv Levy to be his presenter at the Hall Of fame ceremony. Levy was the man who signed off on the drafting of Thomas out of Oklahoma State 19 years ago despite medical concerns about a knee injury the running back suffered during his junior year. “Without him, none of this happens for me, and the other guys, like Jim and Andre and Bruce,'’ Thomas said. “I love that man, and it’s going to be an honor for me to have him introduce me in Canton.'’
Former Bills RB Thomas Preparing for Emotional Day » NFL GridIron Gab
06-04-2007, 02:49 PM
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