Statement from former Texas A&M Head Football Coach R.C. Slocum on the death of Aggie football great Rodney Thomas—
“I was shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Rodney Thomas. 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.”
Reports out of Groveton state Rodney passed away at the home of his mother.
Rodney was a four-year football letterman (1991-92-93-94) helping Texas A&M win three straight Southwest Conference championships and the Aggies were 42-5-1 overall and 28-0-1 in SWC play during his career. After his senior season, he was named the Aggie Heart Award winner by his teammates. A two-time All-SWC running back, he led all Aggie runners in 1994 with 868 yard and rushed for a career high 996 yards as a junior. He ended his career as only the fourth running back in school history to eclipse 3,000 yards ending his career with 3,014 yards on 604 carries (5.0 avg) with 41 touchdowns. He caught 38 passes for 380 yards and four additional touchdowns to tie Darren Lewis with 45 all-time touchdowns which was a school-record at the time. He and his teammates never lost a game at Kyle Field. Named the SWC American Airlines Spirit Award winner as a senior.
Rodney was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the third round and played from 1995-2000 with Oilers/Tennessee Titans before ending his NFL career with one season with the Atlanta Falcons.
Story courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics