Gamble paid off as Thomas enshrined
All the hand-wringing and debate before the Buffalo Bills drafted him in 1988 seems so laughable now that Thurman Thomas heads to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
No one, not then-general manager Bill Polian, coach Marv Levy or chief scout John Butler, questioned the running back’s potential after Thomas enjoyed a stellar four-year career at Oklahoma State.
There was plenty of concern, though, regarding the strength of Thomas’ surgically repaired left knee, which he hurt before his junior season. The injury was the reason Thomas was still available when the Bills made their first pick, 40th overall – all but three teams passed on him, including the Raiders three times.
“So as the second round began, we convened in Mr. Wilson’s office,” recalled Polian, now Indianapolis Colts president, referring to Bills owner Ralph Wilson. “We said, ‘Mr. Wilson, it’s your call because it is a gamble and you have to make that decision.’ “
Wilson then provided a memorable response: “Hey, life’s a gamble. Go ahead.”
With that, Thomas was chosen, his knee never proved to be a problem, and the Bills landed a key piece of a magnificent puzzle: A team that made an unprecedented four consecutive Super Bowl appearances – losing all four – in the early 1990s.
On Saturday, Thomas becomes the fourth member of that Bills team to be enshrined in the hall in Canton, Ohio, joining Levy, quarterback Jim Kelly and receiver James Lofton.
Vick loses another sponsor
Michael Vick lost another sponsor.
Rawlings, the sports goods company, said it was ending its relationship with the Atlanta quarterback because of dogfighting conspiracy charges.
Jones won’t wrestle
Adam “Pacman” Jones won’t be wrestling for TNA Entertainment during his season-long suspension from the NFL because of his contract that prohibits non-football activities that could cause injury.
But the Tennessee Titans cornerback may participate with TNA Wrestling in other ways, according to his agent.
Around the league
Free-agent quarterback Daunte Culpepper signed a one-year contract with the Raiders, giving them a backup plan as top draft pick JaMarcus Russell remains unsigned. … On the fourth day of his holdout, seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan made contact with the New York Giants and was told he would be welcomed back although the team is proceeding as if he is retiring. … Chris Simms isn’t letting a sore elbow slow down his comeback from an injury, even if he doesn’t know how long it’s going to take. Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden said he hopes Simms would do more, starting with today’s practice.