The Buffalo Bills announced Wednesday that they will honor Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas by retiring his number 34 this season. The ceremony will take place on October 29th, the night the Bills will host the New England Patriots at New Era Field for Monday Night Football.
Thurman Thomas was selected by the Bills in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft with the 40th overall selection. Thomas played with Buffalo for 12 years, putting up out-of-this-world numbers during that time. Thomas is currently 16th all-time in rushing yards with 12,074. He led the NFL in scrimmage yards in four consecutive seasons (1989-1992). Add 65 touchdowns to that resume in the running game, 23 through the air, and a 4.2 yards-per-rush career average, and it’s clear why the Hall’s voters needed to measure him for a gold jacket. He also won the league’s MVP award in 1991.
Thomas joins teammates Jim Kelly and Bruce Smith as the only Bills players to have their numbers retired. Thomas’ number 34 will be honored alongside 12 and 78.