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The Indiana Daily Student

sports football

Anthony Thompson enshrined in Hall of Fame

The College Football Hall of Fame enshrined IU’s all-time leading rusher Anthony Thompson  on Saturday night at a ceremony in South Bend. Thompson was among 16 players and four coaches receiving the honor.

“This honor would not have been possible without Coach (Bill) Mallory, his coaching staff and my teammates,” Thompson said in a statement. “Whenever I receive an honor, I always reflect on my relationship with them. I’m not going into the Hall of Fame because of Anthony Thompson; I’m going in because of all of those guys. It’s a great honor for Indiana University and everyone associated with the Indiana Football program.”

Saturday night’s enshrinement culminated a 14-month induction process for Thompson. He was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame in May 2007. The Hall’s induction ceremony honored him December 2007 in New York, and the enshrinement ceremony took place this past weekend at the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend.

Thompson played for the Hoosiers from 1986-89 and appeared in three bowl games. Following both his senior and junior years he was named a first team All-American. He led the Big Ten in rushing twice and finished his career with 5,299 yards. His 65 career touchdowns were a Division I record that stood until 1998.

In 1989 Thompson rushed for a school record 377 yards at Wisconsin. That
season Thompson won the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Award and was named the AFCA “Coaches Choice” Player of the Year. He finished second in Heisman Trophy voting. Thompson was the first Hoosier athlete to officially have his number, 32, retired.

Following his successful collegiate career the Arizona Cardinals drafted Thompson in the second round of the 1990 NFL draft. After three seasons with the Cardinals he played one season with the Los Angeles Rams, where he finished his career. Thompson is currently an assistant director of development with the IU Varsity Club.

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