Class of 1983: Thomas Joins Hall of Fame

Pittsburgh Maulers RB Cliff Thomas, the league's all-time rushing leader, has been elected to the USFL/WFL Hall of Fame by a vote of the league's coaches.

Cliff Thomas, RB, Pittsburgh Maulers

Thomas was the only player to receive the necessary 75 percent of the votes cast. Three others players received 67 percent—Oakland Invaders RB Jason Brooks (the No. 2 rusher), San Antonio Gunslingers WR Marshall Gibson (the No. 2 receiver) and Southern California Sun MLB James Kelley. They will be among 20 players who will reappear on the 1984 ballot.

Eight players received less than 25 percent of the vote and will not be retained for the 1984 ballot.

The election of Thomas brings to five the number of players inducted. You can see the Hall of Fame page here.

Thomas was the USFL/WFL's all-time rushing leader when he retired prior to the 1983 season. Even while sharing the ball-carrying duties with fellow star RB John Murray for all nine of his pro seasons, Thomas still managed to run for nearly 10,000 yards. He also scored 67 rushing TDs in that span, second all-time, and was voted All-Pro three times.

Thomas and Murray both rushed for more than 1,000 yards during their first two USFL/WFL seasons as the Maulers began a string of six consecutive Atlantic Division titles and one World Bowl appearance.

Thomas was also willing to play hurt, powering his way through 24 injuries and one serious injury.

• Nine seasons (1974-82)
• 1,837 rushes, 9,889 yards (5.4 per carry), 67 TDs
• 274 receptions, 2,666 yards (9.7 average), 17 TDs
• No. 1 USFL all-time in rushing yardage
• No. 2 USFL all-time in rushing TDs
• All-Pro 1974, 75, 76

Vote totals (click to enlarge):