American Football Player
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Key moments and achievements from Clendon Thomas's life.
Clendon was born
· Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
College Achievement
Thomas led the nation in scoring during the 1956 season while playing for the Oklahoma Sooners under legendary coach Bud Wilkinson. He also led the Sooners in scoring during both the 1956 and 1957 seasons and was a consensus All-American as a senior, finishing ninth in the 1957 Heisman Trophy balloting.
College Achievement
Thomas led the nation in scoring during the 1956 season while playing for the Oklahoma Sooners under legendary coach Bud Wilkinson. He also led the Sooners in scoring during both the 1956 and 1957 seasons and was a consensus All-American as a senior, finishing ninth in the 1957 Heisman Trophy balloting.
National Championship
Thomas helped lead the Oklahoma Sooners to back-to-back national championships in 1955 and 1956 as part of one of college football's most dominant dynasties. He was a first-team all-conference selection in both his junior and senior years.
National Championship
Thomas helped lead the Oklahoma Sooners to back-to-back national championships in 1955 and 1956 as part of one of college football's most dominant dynasties. He was a first-team all-conference selection in both his junior and senior years.
Professional Career
Selected in the second round of the 1958 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, Thomas played 11 NFL seasons for the Rams (1958-61) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1962-68). Transitioning to defensive back, he recorded 27 interceptions for 244 return yards with 10 fumble recoveries.
Professional Career
Selected in the second round of the 1958 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, Thomas played 11 NFL seasons for the Rams (1958-61) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1962-68). Transitioning to defensive back, he recorded 27 interceptions for 244 return yards with 10 fumble recoveries.
All-Star Selection
Thomas was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1963 NFL season while playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The honor recognized his successful transition from running back to defensive back at the professional level.
All-Star Selection
Thomas was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1963 NFL season while playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The honor recognized his successful transition from running back to defensive back at the professional level.
Hall of Fame
In 2011, Thomas was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding career as a running back at the University of Oklahoma during the program's legendary 1950s dynasty under Bud Wilkinson.
Hall of Fame
In 2011, Thomas was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding career as a running back at the University of Oklahoma during the program's legendary 1950s dynasty under Bud Wilkinson.
Clendon Thomas passed away
