Promotion
"Buffalo should be proud": Thurman Thomas

"Buffalo should be proud": Thurman Thomas

Questions or comments for Thurman? Send him a note at Thurman@nflcanada.com

I was at Ralph Wilson stadium Monday night for the game between the Bills and the Cowboys. It was a great game and it was a great atmosphere. The city of Buffalo should be proud, as should all of Western New York and Southern Ontario. The crowd was magnificent and it really was a special night.

The Bills played an inspired and hard fought game; unfortunately they came up short, and lost in heartbreaking fashion. I was certainly impressed with the effort and am confident that they are on the right track. Those are the kind of games that can help a young team believe in itself and use it as a springboard toward loftier goals. That’s the bright side. The dark side is, that kind of loss can put a young team into a tailspin if they allow it. I’m betting on the former.

I received my Hall Of Fame ring in a ceremony at half time, and I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude again to all the fans, for the well wishes and congratulations I received on Monday. I couldn’t have asked for a warmer reception from everyone, but I am not surprised, it’s been like that since I put my first Bills jersey on back in 1988. That’s a big part of the reason I am now living in Buffalo again.

Notes:

If I’m Patriots head coach Bill Belichek, I would like to see my team have to win a really close game if not lose one along the way. I know that’s heresy, but I would rather see my team face a little adversity in the regular season than face it for the first time in the playoffs. Of course they could just blow everyone out.

Seeing the Michael Vick situation continuing to get worse, convinces me how important and essential it is for a young, high profile professional athlete to have someone or several people that can be a positive guiding influence in their life, not just sycophants. People who can give a reality check to these athletes when they really need it. Especially when childhood friends are involved. I am in no way absolving them from their actions. I just wish they could have had the same support from family and friends that I had.

It’s been said many times, but the difference between 6-10 and 10-6 in the NFL is very small and getting smaller. As athletes get better due to year round training, better training, better nutrition and other factors, the margin will get even smaller. Its no wonder coaches work 15-hour days, and look shell-shocked half the time.

I was also at the Sabres home opener last Friday, which they lost to the Islanders. They lost again to them on Saturday. I’m sure head coach Lindy Ruff will get them on the right track. At least I hope so; I’m counting on them to keep me warm and excited for many upcoming winter nights.

Thurman Thomas

Buffalo Bills legend Thurman Thomas rushed for 1,000 yards in eight consecutive seasons, was selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls, and was named NFL MVP in 1991. Thomas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007, and is now an NFL ambassador in Canada and will be making community and charitable appearances on behalf of the league north of the border.