De'Anthony Thomas: The Black Mamba
91-yard rushing TD. The fastest player in Oregon history.
De'Anthony Thomas was not a traditional running back. He was a weapon. The Black Mamba played three seasons at Oregon (2011-2013), scored touchdowns as a runner, receiver, and return man, and changed games in ways the stat sheet could not capture. His 91-yard rushing touchdown in the 2012 Rose Bowl is one of the most iconic plays in Oregon history. He was the fastest player to ever wear an Oregon uniform, and in Chip Kelly's offense, speed was the most valuable commodity on earth.
91
Yard Rushing TD
2012 Rose Bowl vs Wisconsin
3
Seasons at Oregon
2011-2013
#124
Draft Pick
2014, Kansas City Chiefs
#1
Fastest Duck
In program history
The Rose Bowl
January 2, 2012. Oregon vs Wisconsin. De'Anthony Thomas took a handoff and burst 91 yards untouched for a touchdown, the longest run in Rose Bowl history. His only other carry went for 64 yards and a TD. Final line: 2 carries, 155 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns. The play swung the momentum in a game Oregon won 45-38. It was Oregon's first Rose Bowl victory in 95 years. He was a true freshman.
The Speed
Thomas was timed at 4.34 seconds in the 40-yard dash. In Chip Kelly's offense, where tempo and explosiveness defined everything, Thomas was the ultimate weapon. He lined up at running back, slot receiver, and return man. Defenses could not plan for him because he could beat you from anywhere on the field. He did not need volume to change a game. He needed one touch.
The Chip Kelly Years
Thomas played during the peak of the Chip Kelly era and the transition to Mark Helfrich. He shared a backfield with LaMichael James (2011) and Kenjon Barner (2011-2012), forming the most explosive collection of skill position players in Oregon history. Kelly's departure after 2012 changed the offensive philosophy, but Thomas remained electric under Helfrich in 2013.
Legacy
Drafted #124 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs. His NFL career was modest, but his Oregon career was unforgettable. He is ranked #3 among Oregon running backs, not for volume but for impact. The 2012 Rose Bowl 91-yard rushing touchdown alone earns him a permanent place in Oregon history. When fans talk about the most exciting player they have ever watched in an Oregon uniform, the answer is De'Anthony Thomas.
Career Highlights
Record
91-Yard Rushing TD in the Rose Bowl (Not a Punt Return)
January 2, 2012. Oregon vs Wisconsin. Thomas took a handoff and burst 91 yards untouched for a touchdown, the longest run in Rose Bowl history. His only other carry went for 64 yards and a TD. Final line: 2 carries, 155 rushing yards, 2 TDs. He was a true freshman.
Fact
Nicknamed by Snoop Dogg at Age 12
Thomas played for the Crenshaw Bears in Snoop Dogg's youth football league. Snoop gave him 'The Black Mamba' nickname when Thomas was 12 years old, years before the name became associated with Kobe Bryant.
Game
2013 Fiesta Bowl: 94-Yard Kickoff Return TD
Returned the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown against Kansas State, hitting 26 MPH at the end of the run. Later added a 23-yard catch-and-run TD. Finished with 195 total yards.
Stat
5,345 Career All-Purpose Yards
Trails only LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner in Oregon career all-purpose yards. Holds Oregon records for kickoff return yards (1,885) and punt return average (17.1). Fourth in career scoring (278 points).
Fact
Five-Star Recruit from Crenshaw
Five-star, #5 overall recruit in the 2011 class. From Crenshaw High School in South Central LA. Led Crenshaw to back-to-back LA city championships. Chose Oregon over USC and other programs.
Stat
18 Touchdowns as a Freshman
Set the Oregon record for touchdowns by a freshman with 18 total TDs in 2011: 7 rushing, 9 receiving, 2 on returns. 2,235 all-purpose yards over 14 games.
Stat
4.34 at the NFL Combine
Ran an unofficial 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. The fastest player in Oregon history. In Chip Kelly's offense, where tempo and explosiveness defined everything, Thomas was the ultimate weapon.
NFL
Kansas City Chiefs (2014-2017)
Drafted 124th overall by the Chiefs. Played 6 NFL seasons. Career: 65 catches for 509 yards, 7 TDs, plus 98 punt returns and an 81-yard kick return TD. Modest NFL career, legendary Oregon career.
Sources: Sports Reference, GoDucks.com
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