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NFL: Ranking every MVP winner in league history based on pro career

By Hans Themistode

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images) /
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Thurman Thomas
Thurman Thomas (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

Ranking every MVP winner in NFL history: 26. Thurman Thomas

Stats:

  • 12,704 rushing yards
  • 65 rushing touchdowns

It was all about consistency for running back Thurman Thomas.

The former second-round pick out of Oklahoma State, nearly rushed for a thousand yards in his very first season as a pro, totaling 881. From there, Thurman would blow past the thousand-yard mark in eight consecutive seasons.

Unsurprisingly, he picked up five Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro selections in the process. Thurman never led the league in rushing, nor did he ever lead it in rushing touchdowns but he was always near the top of the leaderboards in both categories. In six consecutive seasons, Thurman ranked no lower than sixth in terms of total rushing yards. For his career, Thurman is safely tucked in at 16th all-time with 12,074.

His fourth season in the league proved to be his best. He rushed for the second-highest total in his career, 1,407, and the Bills finished the season with a 13-3 record.

While consistency ultimately led Thurman to a Hall of Fame career, we get the feeling that he wishes things weren’t always the same. In four straight seasons, Thurman and his Buffalo Bills made it to the biggest game, the Super Bowl. Each time, however, they came up short.

Although Thurman’s career ultimately ended without winning a ring, his Buffalo teams have continually been praised for their consistency. Still, you have to think that Thurman would trade in four Super Bowl appearances for a ring.

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