Texas A&M Football
Remembering A&M legend Rodney Thomas
Former Texas A&M running back Rodney Thomas, whose excellent playing ability paled in comparison to his high character, passed away on Saturday in Groveton, Texas.
He was 41.
There are not yet any details about his death.
Texas A&M Media Relations
Thomas was a key cog in a loaded backfield in the early-to-mid '90s, but he is most remembered for his character and selfless demeanor.
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Former A&M coach R.C. Slocum, who recruited Thomas, wrote on his Facebook page: "I am so sad to report the passing of Aggie great Rodney Thomas. He was an awesome young man and one of the most caring, unselfish individuals that I have ever met. Great player, but better person. Prayers for his family."
Thomas came to A&M after a brilliant career at tiny Groveton High School where he rushed for 8,441 yards β the third-highest total in Texas high school history.
He was extremely productive player on several strong Texas A&M teams in the early 90s. Thomas rushed for 3,014 yards from 1991-94. Itβs the fifth-highest career rushing total in Texas A&M history.
Yet, Thomas never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. That was only because he shared the rushing load with Greg Hill and Leeland McElroy.
And he never complained.
Indeed, Thomas, who was a third-round draft pick of the Houston Oilers in 1995 and played seven seasons in the NFL, arguably left a greater legacy for his morality than his running ability.
The most well-known example of his high character was a famous incident in which a malfunctioning vending machine in Cain Hall β then the athletic dormitory β was dispensing soft drinks free of charge.
Thomas watched while others took free soft drinks, Then, he used his own change to reimburse the machine.
Thomas was the winner of the 1994 Aggie Heart Award, which is voted on by the entire teams and presented to a senior who displays effort, desire, determination, competitiveness, leadership and courage.
He was 41.
There are not yet any details about his death.
Texas A&M Media Relations
Thomas was a key cog in a loaded backfield in the early-to-mid '90s, but he is most remembered for his character and selfless demeanor.
{"Module":"photo","Alignment":"right","Size":"large","Caption":"Thomas was a key cog in a loaded backfield in the early-to-mid \u002790s, but he is most remembered for his character and selfless demeanor.","MediaItemID":21997}
Thomas came to A&M after a brilliant career at tiny Groveton High School where he rushed for 8,441 yards β the third-highest total in Texas high school history.
He was extremely productive player on several strong Texas A&M teams in the early 90s. Thomas rushed for 3,014 yards from 1991-94. Itβs the fifth-highest career rushing total in Texas A&M history.
Yet, Thomas never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. That was only because he shared the rushing load with Greg Hill and Leeland McElroy.
And he never complained.
Indeed, Thomas, who was a third-round draft pick of the Houston Oilers in 1995 and played seven seasons in the NFL, arguably left a greater legacy for his morality than his running ability.
The most well-known example of his high character was a famous incident in which a malfunctioning vending machine in Cain Hall β then the athletic dormitory β was dispensing soft drinks free of charge.
Thomas watched while others took free soft drinks, Then, he used his own change to reimburse the machine.
Thomas was the winner of the 1994 Aggie Heart Award, which is voted on by the entire teams and presented to a senior who displays effort, desire, determination, competitiveness, leadership and courage.
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