Buffalo Bills: 30 greatest players in franchise history
Thurman Thomas. 4. player. 16. . Running Back. 1988-99
One of the most dynamic offensive weapons of his era, Thurman Thomas was one of the driving forces behind the Bills’ four consecutive trips to the Super Bowl. Although not as productive as the next man on this list, he left an unmistakable mark on his franchise’s history.
The team’s all-time leader in rushing yards and all-purpose yards, Thomas was everything the Bills could have hoped for when they selected him in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft. From there, it didn’t take long for him to assert himself as a staple of the Buffalo offense.
Thomas played an integral role in all the Bills’ four runs at a championship. More importantly though, he was a reliable, consistent offensive force who managed eight 1,000-yard rushing campaigns in a row, highlighted by four-straight seasons leading the league in yards from scrimmage. As a result, he was rewarded with five Pro Bowl and five All-Pro selections.
Thomas was the 1991 NFL MVP, providing further evidence of his elite talents and impact for the Bills. Although he never won a ring, his 2007 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was the recognition he deserved after a long and illustrious career in Buffalo.