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Clendon Thomas, a Hall of Fame Running Back for Oklahoma in the 1950s, Dies at 90

Clendon Thomas, a key player in Oklahoma's record 47-game winning streak, scored 34 touchdowns and was inducted into multiple halls of fame including the National Football Foundation.

  • On Jan 27, 2026, Clendon Thomas, a National Football Hall of Fame inductee, died Monday night in Tulsa of pneumonia, longtime friend and former college roommate Chuck Bowman said.
  • Thomas played for the Sooners from 1955 to 1957 under coach Bud Wilkinson, helping win national titles in 1955 and 1956 and contributing to Oklahoma's 47-game winning streak.
  • Thomas rushed for 2,156 yards and had 3,209 all-purpose yards, scoring 34 touchdowns on 355 touches, and played 11 NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers, recording 27 interceptions.
  • The family announced a late‑February memorial at Putnam City Baptist Church, Oklahoma City; Thomas served as president of Putnam City Schools Foundation and on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes national board.
  • Thomas' versatility and honors position him among Oklahoma's enduring football figures, as he played both offense and defense, compiling 60 receptions for 1,046 yards and four touchdowns.
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Clendon Thomas, a Hall of Fame running back for Oklahoma in the 1950s, dies at 90

Clendon Thomas, a Hall of Fame running back at Oklahoma, has died at 90. The National Football Foundation says he died on Monday.

·United States
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Clendon Thomas, legendary OU football RB, dies at 90

·Oklahoma City, United States
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Oklahoman broke the news in Oklahoma City, United States on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
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