Former NFL running back Rodney Thomas passed away on Saturday. He was 41 years old
Thomas played his college career with Texas A&M. He would become fifth all time in rushing for the Aggies while rushing for 3,014 yards and 41 touchdowns. He would be drafted by the Houston Oilers in the third round in 1995.
Thomas would rush for 947 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie season. He would remain with the Oilers through their move to Tennessee in 1997 and their later name change to the Tennessee Titans. There he would get to play in Super Bowl XXXIV in a defeat to the St. Louis Rams. His rushing yards dwindled through the years as running back Eddie George became the leading rusher for the team. Despite this fact, Thomas remained loyal to the Titans, turning down more lucrative offers to play for other teams.
Thomas would sign as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in 2001. He would play in 12 games for the Falcons rushing for 126 yards on 37 carries and catching two passes for an additional 26 yards. He was waived by the Falcons before the 2002 preseason and soon after retired from football.
For his NFL career Thomas played in 103 games where he would rush for 1,973 yards on 532 carries and 12 touchdowns. He was known for being a great leader and a role model during both his college and professional football career.
Thomas died in his hometown of Groveton, Texas. The cause of death is unknown for now while an autopsy is underway.
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