Hoosier State of Mind
Fansided

Indiana Football: Celebrating Anthony Thompson’s legacy

By Adam Childs

JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 02: Indiana Hoosiers fan gets ready outside the stadium prior to the start of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against the Tennessee Volunteers at TIAA Bank Field on January 2, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. Tennessee defeated Indiana 23-22. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 02: Indiana Hoosiers fan gets ready outside the stadium prior to the start of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against the Tennessee Volunteers at TIAA Bank Field on January 2, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. Tennessee defeated Indiana 23-22. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Indiana football great Anthony Thompson turns 53 today, so we take a look back at how good he was for the Hoosiers.

The history of the Indiana football program doesn’t have a ton of great memories, but it does have Anthony Thompson. A former running back for the Hoosiers, Thompson is arguably the greatest Indiana football player of all time.

Thompson turns 53 today (April 8th) and is currently a pastor in Bloomington. He played for the Hoosiers from 1986-89 and rushed for 5,299 career yards and 67 touchdowns. Thompson rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his last three seasons and he scored 50 of his touchdowns in his last two years.

Thompson not only was one of the best players in the history of the Hoosier football team, but he was one of the best in the Big Ten. He was the rock for Indiana during that time and was one of the most reliable players they have ever had.

He led the country in rushing attempts in both 1988 and 1989 and was the top rusher in the NCAA in 1989. His name is also all over the Big Ten record book. He is sixth in the Big Ten in career touchdowns and fifth in career rushing yards,

Thompson was a special player and one Indiana fans will never forget. Its unfortunate Thompson couldn’t be a part of a championship team, but he was great nonetheless.

Thompson’s senior year was special, as he was runner-up for the Heisman trophy despite the Hoosiers having a losing record. His season highlight was a then single-game record 377 yards rushing in Indiana’s win over Wisconsin.

Next. IU making moves in early Big Ten Power Rankings. dark

It was amazing what Thompson was able to do during his time in Indiana and Hoosier fans may never see anybody as good as he was during his time in Bloomington.

Happy birthday to Anthony Thompson and thanks for the great memories.

Home/Indiana Football