Top 30 NFL players of the 1990

Top 30 NFL players of the 1990s

DENVER, UNITED STATES: Denver Brocos running back Terrell Davis (30) makes a 12 yard carry late in the second quarter during game action 24 September, 2000 at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. AFP PHOTO/ MARK LEFFINGWELL (Photo credit should read MARK LEFFINGWELL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NY – DECEMBER 15: Frank Reich #14 of the Buffalo Bills hands off to Thurman Thomas #34 against the New York Giants during an NFL football game December 15, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Reich played for the Bills from 1985-94. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

22. Thurman Thomas

The passing game of Jim Kelly and Andre Reed got a lot of the national attention in the Bills historic run in the 1990s, but Thurman Thomas was just as vital to the success of Buffalo.

He began the decade with consecutive All-Pro seasons in 1990 and 1991, eclipsing 1,400 yards in the latter season. In 1993, he led the NFL in carries, rushing for over 1,300 yards on the season.

Thomas would be higher on the list if his reign of dominance lasted a little longer. He made four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1990-93, but failed to make another for the remainder of his career. Regardless of that, during his peak, there were few better. He won the NFL MVP in 1991, as well as the Offensive Player of the Year. He finished his career with five Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro selections.

Thomas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and is a member of the All-Decade team. He is arguably the greatest running back in team history, and no one who has come after him has reached the level of success he had taking handoffs from Kelly and helping Buffalo reach four straight Super Bowls.

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