2021 Countdown to Kickoff: 32 Days (Anthony Thompson)

Written by Evan Orris

The 2021 Countdown! Only 32 days left until the Hoosiers travel to Iowa City to take on the #16 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes. Today we will profile Hoosier legend Anthony Thompson, perhaps the greatest running back in program history.

Thompson, who is currently the executive associate athletic director, was one of the great running backs that has come through the Hoosiers’ program.

The current pastor at the Lighthouse Community Church in town played for the Hoosiers from 1986-89. He rushed for 5,299 career yards and 67 touchdowns throughout his career. Thompson rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his last three seasons and scored 50 of his touchdowns in his last two years.

In his four years in Bloomington, Thompson broke numerous records both nationally and in the program. He led the country in rushing attempts in both 1988 and 1989 and was the top rusher in the NCAA in 1989 and is sixth in the Big Ten in career touchdowns and fifth in career rushing yards. Currently, he is IU’s career leader in rushing yards, carries, points, and touchdowns.

The 54-year-old also picked up many accolades including Indiana’s most valuable player in 1988 and 1989 and the Big Ten MVP during the same years. He was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and a two-time first-team All-American. He also won the Maxwell award in 1989 and the Walter Camp Award as well.

Although Thompson never won the Heisman trophy, he did come close. Thompson finished eighth in Heisman Trophy balloting in 1988 and second in 1989. He was inducted into the Hoosiers’ hall of fame in 2003 and is the only athlete in Indiana University to have his jersey retired.

After his career in Bloomington, Thompson entered the NFL. He was drafted in the second round with the 31st pick in the 1990 NFL Draft. He played for the Phoenix Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007.