Rodney Thomas of Texas A&M Earned College Football’s Respect
When Rodney Thomas strapped on his helmet, there was no wasted effort, only big yardage and end-zone celebrations. He was a determined man who exuded leadership and the desire to be the best player on the football field and lead his team to victory.
The Warpath on Friday nights
Thomas led the Groveton Indians on the warpath to back-to-back state titles in 1989 and 1990. During that undefeated 1989 season, Thomas rushed for 2,916 yards and 43 touchdowns. As a result, he earned all-state honors and was named the Class 2A Player of the Year. That 1989 Groveton team was recognized as one of the Top Ten greatest high school football teams in Texas UIL history.
In the 1990 undefeated championship season, Thomas rushed for 3,701 yards (No. 1 nationally) and 49 TDs. He was again named all-state and won his second Offensive Player of the Year award in Class 2A.
Thomas gained 8,441 career yards for Groveton, putting him at No. 7 on the Texas high school rushing list. He scored 115 touchdowns.
When it came time to play college ball, Thomas signed a national letter of intent to play for head coach R.C. Slocum at Texas A&M.
Rodney Thomas, The Heart of the Aggies
Thomas was part of an explosive Aggie backfield that included talented runners Greg Hill and Leeland McElroy. However, Thomas made the most of the opportunity when his number was called. He scored 41 touchdowns for the Aggies in his career in College Station. That is good enough for No. 2 all-time at Texas A&M. In addition, Thomas was named first-team All-Southwest Conference twice in 1993 and 1994.
Thomas is ranked fourth on the school rushing list with 3,020 yards and never suffered the agony of defeat at Kyle Field, with 28 wins and one tie.
An often-told story of an incident on campus illustrates how Thomas lived a life of with unquestioned ethics. In the athletic dorm, a vending machine malfunctioned and dispensed soft drinks without coins being inserted into the machine.
After players took advantage of the “free” drinks, Thomas reimbursed the machine for the lost revenue with his own money. As voted by his teammates, Thomas was awarded the Aggie Heart Award for his leadership, courage, and effort.
1995 NFL Draft
Thomas was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1995 National Football League Draft by the Houston Oilers (later the Tennessee Titans). He was part of a team draft class that included quarterback Steve McNair and played seven years of pro ball.
Thomas made carrying a football through would-be tacklers an art form and had the heart of a winner. However, on June 14, 2014, that heart failed him as Thomas suffered a heart attack and passed away at the age of 41, leaving behind a loving wife and two children.
Undoubtedly, Rodney Thomas earned the respect of his coaches and teammates at all levels of football. He was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2002 and will forever be remembered as one of the best to ever shine under the lights of Friday (and Saturday) night in Texas.
About Author
