Not only one of the first great, modern-era running backs, Thurman Thomas, unequivocally, is also one of the greatest complete running backs of all time. The "Thurmanator" – as Thomas was affectionately dubbed by ESPN's Chris Berman – did everything out of the backfield. Sure he did the glory work – but unlike most modern offensive stars – he also did the tough, dirty work that made his teams better. Thurman was durable and strong as an every-down back; he could handle 20-25 carries a game and possessed the ability to run either between the Tackles or to the outside. Thomas was also one of the greatest pass-catching running backs of all time and was a fantastic backfield blocker on passing downs.

No less of an authority than the Buffalo Bills’ legendary Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy best put Thurman’s career in perspective: "Thurman Thomas was one of the best all-purpose running backs in the history of the NFL. He was as complete of a football player as a football player gets." In recognition for such feats, it was announced on February 3, 2007, that  Thurman Thomas would join his legendary coach as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2007.