Former Oilers/Titans and Falcons running back Rodney Thomas passed away yesterday at the age of 41, reports the Bryan-College Station Eagle. Thomas was a collegiate standout at Texas A&M, racking up over 3,000 yards and 41 touchdowns over his four-year career as an Aggie before being selected by the Oilers in the third round of the 1995 draft.
Thomas led the Oilers with 947 rushing yards as a rookie in 1995, but he was relegated to a reserve role when the team drafted Eddie George the following season. Thomas primarily served as a backup for the remainder of his career, though he did participate in Super Bowl XXXIV with the Titans. He signed a free agent contract with the Falcons in 2001, accumulating 126 yards on 37 carries that season. Atlanta waived him prior to the 2002 season, and he subsequently retired from the game.
The cause of Thomas’ death was not immediately known and an autopsy will be performed. Our condolences go out to Thomas’ friends and family.