Yet another bit of sad news coming out of the National Football League. Former Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons running back Rodney Thomas passed away on Sunday at the young age of 41.
Updated, with slideshow: Former #Titans RB Rodney Thomas dies http://t.co/OQcH0PzAAA
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 15, 2014
Thomas played seven years in the NFL and was a member of the Titans team that earned a trip to Super Bowl XXXIV following the 1999 season. Thomas was originally selected in the third round of the 1995 NFL draft by the then Houston Oilers after starring for four seasons with Texas A&M.
He put up nearly 1,000 rushing yards his rookie season, but only eclipsed the 200-yard mark once more throughout the remainder of his career, finishing up with Atlanta in in 2001.
Former A&M head coach R.C. Slocum had this to say about Thomas after learning about his death (via The Tennessean).
He was a great football player, but more importantly, he was one of the finest young men that I have ever met. He was so kind, considerate and unselfish. He impacted all that met him in a positive way. Our prayers go out to his family and friends. Aggieland lost one of its brightest stars today.
Thomas, who lived in Spring, Texas, is survived by his wife and and four-year old son. Thomas passed away at the very same house he purchased for his mom with his first NFL paycheck.
The cause of death is unknown.
Photo: ESPN.com