Story perspectives

Heisman Hopeful Clendon Thomas Passes Away at 90

1/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Clendon Thomas, a Heisman Trophy candidate and Pro Bowl safety, died at age 90.
He was born in Oklahoma City during the Dust Bowl and became a local hero at the University of Oklahoma, leading the team to a 47-game winning streak from 1955 to 1956.
Thomas was the nation's leading scorer in 1956 and finished ninth in the 1957 Heisman voting.
He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1958 and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording 27 interceptions over 11 seasons.
After retiring, he founded Chemical Products Corp. and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

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Story summary

Clendon Thomas, a Heisman Trophy candidate and Pro Bowl safety, died at age 90.
He was born in Oklahoma City during the Dust Bowl and became a local hero at the University of Oklahoma, leading the team to a 47-game winning streak from 1955 to 1956.
Thomas was the nation's leading scorer in 1956 and finished ninth in the 1957 Heisman voting.
He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1958 and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording 27 interceptions over 11 seasons.
After retiring, he founded Chemical Products Corp. and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.