Gold Jacket Spotlight: Buffalo remains Thurman Thomas’ home long after playing days ended

For 12 professional seasons, the Bills were THURMAN THOMAS’ team.

In the almost quarter-century since he last played a snap in the National Football League, Thurman has made Buffalo his home and the fans there a big part of his life.

That mutual connection is featured this week as Thurman steps into the Gold Jacket Spotlight.

Thurman has showcased Hall of Fame values the greater Buffalo community appreciates, with the most recent example only several days ago. He surprised an 8-year-old fan of his in the team store at Highmark Stadium with a special visit that ended with the young boy receiving some encouraging words and an autographed jersey.

“Me, with my family and my family foundation, it’s about giving back and helping others,” Thurman said about the fan visit in the news account on WKBW-TV. 

Thurman and his wife, Patti, established the Thurman Thomas Family Foundation in Buffalo and together with their family and friends work “to spread positivity and bring resources to those who need it most.”

The mission of the foundation “is to make a difference through programs that support education, health and wellness while being committed to diversity and inclusion for all of those in need in our local community,” according to the foundation’s website. Charitable donations and a scholarship program are its hallmark.

“Thurm and Patti Thomas don’t have to live here. … They chose to be here in our community,” a WKBW news anchor said. “They do so much good.”

As deeply ingrained as Thurman has become in Buffalo, his road there began about as far away as geographically possible.

He began his NFL dreams in Houston, where he excelled for his high school football team. His prowess earned him a spot in Oklahoma State University’s backfield. 

In his freshman season, he totaled 843 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He doubled the output as a sophomore: 1,650 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, along with 142 receiving yards and a touchdown, to earn All-America honors.

Another future Hall of Famer then crossed his path, pushing Thurman to elevate his game.

Before the 1986 season, Thurman’s junior year, Oklahoma State brought in running back BARRY SANDERS. Thurman saw the influx of talent as an opportunity to realize his potential.  

“Barry Sanders … really taught me the meaning of hard work and dedication to try to be the best player that you possibly can,” Thurman said of his teammate’s influence. In his final two years, Thurman totaled 2,354 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, topped off by 334 receiving yards, setting him up for a solid pro career.

In the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft, the Bills selected Thurman, giving him an opportunity to jump start their rushing offense. 

Thurman prospered in his rookie year with 881 rushing yards, 208 receiving yards and two rushing touchdowns, helping the Bills to a 12-4 record and an AFC East title. 

While his 1988 campaign was terrific, Thurman exploded in 1989. Earning his first Pro Bowl selection, he totaled 1,244 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, and caught 60 passes for 669 yards and six more touchdowns. 

From 1990 through 1999, Thurman would play in four more Pro Bowls, be selected twice as an AP All-Pro and reach four Super Bowls. In that span, he redefined the meaning of an all-purpose running back, totaling 9,813 rushing yards, 57 rushing touchdowns, 3,464 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns.

After 1999, Thurman would finish out his career with one season with the Miami Dolphins. 

Then it was back to Buffalo, where fans were waiting with open arms and open hearts.

“No fans are like my fans, like Bills fans,” said Thurman, calling them “the best.”