Thurman Thomas is a legend and an icon whose tenacity and grit coupled with truly awe-inspiring traits as a shifty dual-threat running back paved the way for an NFL Hall of Fame career that lasted 12 seasons with the Buffalo Bills. The franchise’s Super Bowl teams were perhaps as much defined by Thomas’ work as anyone else on the roster.
Teams simply weren’t ever quite sure when or where Thomas was going to make them pay, what his next move was from play to play. Keeping up with Thurman Thomas proved
far more difficult than anyone had predicted. That proved even more remarkable when years after his retirement Thomas revealed that he played his entire NFL career with a partially torn ACL in his left knee. That’s sheer grit and determination, like few others then or now.
At a position with so much franchise star power through various generations, Thomas continues to rise above the rest. He was the complete package on the field then, and he remains so decades after having taken his last handoff in a Bills uniform. For a man who’s now spent half his life in Western New York, it might be easy to look back and say he’s done it all. Yet, if you ask Thomas, he’d likely tell you he’s just getting started.
In a recent conversation with Thurman that set out intent on covering as much ground as was true of his tremendous career, we were drawn to the here and now. For at this moment, something special is unfolding for the whole of Bills Mafia. In case you haven’t read the headlines or opened social media in some weeks, One Bills Drive has cut the ribbon on their new home, a completely new, from the ground up, version of Highmark Stadium.
In fact, the franchise just held its first public event for season ticket holders and other lucky fans of the team. In holding its annual “Return of the Blue & Red” practice, the Bills showed more than 50,000 die-hard supporters what all the fuss was about in that giant structure taking shape the last three years across Abbott Road.
Interestingly enough, that’s where Thomas’ connection here takes shape. While his jersey and number have been retired and adorn the inside of the new Highmark Stadium, that’s not his only place of prominence within its walls. Truth be told, Thomas has his name displayed and honored in three separate places inside the new stadium, plus as part of the ring of honor outside the stadium’s confines in what’s known as the Family Circle.
Yet, the why and where of Thomas’ name being included so many places isn’t immediately obvious outside of his football career. In speaking with him, the story of a poignant full-circle moment unfolds that finds Thomas continually give back to the community that lifted him on its shoulders.
34 Group, Inc. helping build better for Buffalo, and the Bills
Thurman and his wife Patti Thomas established 34 Group, Inc. in Buffalo, NY in 2016. As a small business and commercial construction company, 34 Group is a “New York State Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) providing design, construction management and self-performed construction services.” Coincidentally, 34 Group was also one of the companies chosen to help with construction of the Bills’ new stadium.
Thomas understands the challenges facing any startup, noting the necessary hill climb, and “to be an up-and-coming new group in the Buffalo area, it was a struggle at first.” The company wasn’t focused on the large prize at first, with Thomas saying “we were confident that we were going to be just a small company — just helping out, really. I mean, because, to have something like a stadium built, we couldn’t handle that on our own. And that was Turner and Gilbane [joint venture construction management team Gilbane Building Company and Turner Construction Company] who led the charge for getting everybody set.”
Even after this project, Thomas maintains that “we were just the little guys, you know, but we put in all 60 thousand of the seats in the new Highmark Stadium, courtesy of Irwin [Irwin Seating Company]. And they’ve done an outstanding job with us,” while adding that 34 Group also “did some stuff for the grass field.”
Focusing exclusively on commercial projects has allowed the Thomases and 34 Group to build a deeper connection with people in Buffalo. Thomas welcomes that bond, saying that it’s been really helpful and “gotten me back into the community.”
With that community comes projects of all sizes for 34 Group. “Yeah, sure, this was a $2.2 billion job for this stadium, but for our company — we take the $50,000 dollar jobs, we take the $100,000 dollar jobs. Thomas constantly strives to capture something beneficial in any endeavor, stating of a any potential project that ”it’s that relationship that I always tell my employees that we’re not going to win every single job, but make sure you have a relationship, a communication person you can always talk to, because something’s always going to pop up.”
It’s clear Thomas is happy diving into his work with 34 Group, saying that “it’s been great, man. I love doing the work around here in the Buffalo area. Thomas maintains that 34 Group is about so much more than the next project. “I mean it’s opened so many doors to where — not that we get work — but it’s opened so many doors for other things, and I think that’s the most important thing, besides our company, is the relationship that we have with the folks in the Buffalo area.”
For Thomas, it’s perhaps a passion project like no other yet, and one that fate helped connect to his prior career. In asking Thomas about the experience of working alongside other construction outfits and contractors, he said “it’s been a really good experience for a lot of the companies in the Buffalo area because I think everybody got a piece of [the action] to do something. I think that was kind of the thing that when we [began building] this stadium — we wanted everybody to get a piece of it. Right? And I think everybody did.”
Thomas humbly defers to the expertise and work of the tradespeople within 34 Group. Again, it’s a team that undertook the installation of each and every seat — all 60,129 of those red and blue seats — in the new Highmark Stadium. It’s an accomplishment he wears proudly upon his sleeve, and something that continues to fuel each and every return trip. “I’ve been over there probably five or six times in the last couple of weeks and they’re still tweaking some things or whatever,” Thomas said. A clear sign that despite the already finished look there is still much to do before the regular season is ushered in.
What stands out to him in speaking with folks around town is the sheer magnitude of the project. “From what I’m hearing, a lot of the positives are that people are saying: ‘Is this really in Buffalo? Is this type of stadium really in Buffalo?,’” Thomas quipped. “To me, I think it’s night and day when you talk about the old Highmark and you talk about the new Highmark. This one here, it’s spectacular, there’s a lot to see in there and there’s a lot of room — a lot of space for the fans to walk around,” he added.
Then in a nod to fans’ obvious passion for new place, Thomas with a smile on his face said that it was evident during the Blue & Red practice that “everybody wanted to walk around the stadium, right, to see everything — instead of being in their seats.” Honestly, who can blame them? Still, it’s noteworthy when quarterback Josh Allen is upstaged in any stadium.
A positive attitude amid Highmark seating concerns
With any public project, critiques are bound to catch fire as soon as folks find something to latch onto, either first-hand or from afar. Thomas understands where some fans are coming from in terms of slight-line concerns, but he’d prefer to let the experts handle individual needs, while he focuses on the bigger picture. “It’s an outstanding stadium, and I’m so proud that Buffalo does have this,” Thomas said emphatically.
As for those seating concerns? Thomas knows it’s not unique to Highmark Stadium, stating that “you can go around to all 32 teams in the National Football League, and you’re going to have some type of obstructed view or whatever, not a good seat.” At the same time, he understands well that people aren’t getting the full picture of the situation on social media. “I’ve been telling people that those seats aren’t really made for football. They’re made for something else besides, like a concert or something like that,” chalking up a lot of the concerns to people taking photos mostly from seats that won’t be sold for Bills games.
For Thomas, the here and now is about the new stadium’s positive aspects, which extends far beyond the tactile materials. “You know, obviously there’s going to be some people out there that don’t agree with certain things about the stadium,” as nothing on Earth seems to earn unanimous accord simply because there are so many unique perspectives in society. But Thomas isn’t ready to concede defeat, in the next breath wondering: “Are those people really fans? Are they really truly fans that are saying ‘we’re here to watch a football game. We’re here to watch our team finally get over the hump to win a Super Bowl. That’s all we’re here for. I don’t care about some obstructed view or anything like that.’”
Thomas continues focusing on the bigger picture, while allowing others to handle the concerns behind the scenes. “I’m sure the Bills and Gilbane and Turner, they’ll take care of that situation, they’ll do what they need to do in order to move forward. I don’t like to hear the negativity talk. I’d like to hear positive talk going forward. We’ve got a really good football team with a really good chance to win a Super Bowl this year.”
Thurman & Carhartt®: Branded blue collar
It’s true that 34 Group is a huge focus for Thomas these days, but it’s not his only focus. In a new partnership with Carhartt®, Thomas has found a clothing company that meets the demands of those tradespeople with 34 Group. It’s also a company that understands what it means to be hard-working and blue collar. That’s something the team has leaned into with its new alternate “Nickel City” uniform in homage to the people of Western New York.
None of that is lost on Thomas, who pointed out how great the new relationship is that he has with Carhartt®. “You know just a couple of years ago they called and wanted to do something with me, with my company at the new stadium. Well of course I don’t have any pull over there to get that done so they actually had to call the Buffalo Bills and call the NFL to see if they can someway work something out and it’s just one of those things that happened.”
Thomas continues to deflect attention, praising the efforts made by both Carhartt® and One Bills Drive. “They worked it out, Carhartt®, you know, had given a lot of money to the community here in Buffalo, which I think they’ll continue to do to have that relationship with the Bills, and have that relationship with my company. So, it has turned out great for us, they’ve been outstanding.”
It takes a lot more than large companies to get the work done, however. With a project as grand as Highmark Stadium, that’s where an authentically blue-collar attitude pays dividends. Thomas knows that well, especially as it relates to his team and those who have brought the new Highmark to life.
The new home of the Bills really feels like a place built for Buffalo by their neighbors. Thomas points out that the organization got things right in paying tribute to those who helped build a better Highmark. “I think it’s on the east side of the stadium, they also have their names on the side of the building for everybody who worked there. It’s all about the tradespeople. The ones that really do all the work,” Thomas stated.
A dedicated team leader, Thomas understands his role and where he’s able to make a positive impact on the team. “I’m not over there doing the work, you know what, but I want to encourage my employees and let everybody know that ‘hey, you’re doing a great job over here.’”
“It’s really the people, the tradespeople that really make this stadium go, that got this stadium built. Without them, we wouldn’t be here today. That stadium would not be done,” Thomas said. “They’ve done an outstanding job and it’s all about them, it’s all about the tradespeople because day in and day out they were over there every single day, no matter what the weather was like, no matter what anything was like they were out there always ready and prepared to go.”
Highmark hype is real
These days when discussing the Bills, it seems as though all anyone can talk about is the new stadium. There are a lot of reasons to be excited for the 2026 season, with a new group of coaches in leadership positions, and of course Josh Allen and the rest of the team. However, Highmark Stadium’s rebirth is going to demand attention.
The hype is real, and the Blue & Red event was only the tip of the iceberg. Saturday afternoon is the first preseason game on the new grounds, and the players are thrilled to have natural grass waiting for them.
But Saturday is as much about the fans. Even if it’s only an exhibition game where the starters may or may not play a meaningful amount of snaps, it’s an opportunity for Bills Mafia to test out their lungs.
To help get the crowd pumped, Thomas revealed a giveaway waiting for roughly a third of the first people to enter Highmark. “Saturday, the first 20,000 fans that enter the stadium will get this towel that has every single tradesperson’s name on it,” a clever rally towel serving as a nod to the hard work that brought the Bills’ new home to life.
It will be difficult for anyone entering the new Highmark to forget just how many people were responsible for its development and construction. We’ve already seen photos of the steel girder adorned by signatures of those involved. There’s also a section of wall that lists every person who helped with the stadium’s construction, which includes Thomas’ name. “Actually, my name is in that building three times,” Thomas said. “So… out there on the wall as I said where all the workers (names) were. There’s a beam where a lot of the companies signed, and obviously having my jersey retired, my number’s in there with Jim and Bruce, and up there with Mr. Wilson also. So, yeah, I’m in there three times,” Thomas proudly stated.
As for Saturday afternoon? “Definitely, they’ll be pumped,” Thomas exclaimed. Bills fans will get two preseason games at home to practice for the regular-season home opener in Week 2. Will waiting until Week 2 stunt the vibe due to a Week 1 road date against the Houston Texans? Thomas isn’t convinced that’s true, saying “I think, you know, even though with us opening up in Houston on Sunday and they’re still playing a game Thursday (Week 2) the fans are like — because it’s going to be a tough game in Houston with that defense — but win, lose, or draw, come that Thursday night, the opening of Highmark Stadium, it’s going to be electric not only for Bills Mafia and the fans here, but I think when people are watching the game.” With the game being in primetime, Thomas is certain that the new stadium’s proper opening will resonate with viewers. “I’m sure there’ll be some type of highlights where they’re showing everybody the stadium, I can guarantee everybody’s going to be like ‘you know what, that’s great for the Buffalo Bills. That’s absolutely fantastic.’”
It’s fair to say it feels a bit surreal that the stadium is now ready. Thomas summed it up well in saying “it’s magical the way it’s come together. It’s nothing like the other Highmark. It’s like, high-tech, red, white, and blue every seat, every place that you go, and it’s absolutely gorgeous and I just… I know the people appreciate it.” With a new state-of-the-art building for NFL football, you can bet fans will be ready to roar against opposing teams. For his part, Thurman’s ready, excited for that moment. “I can’t wait to really have it full on Thursday night against the Detroit Lions, you know it’s going to be absolutely insane and… man, I’m ready to go. You know, as a Bills fan, you always say ‘yeah, this is the year.’ Yeah, I definitely think this is the year.”
Thurman Thomas sees dual-threat potential for James Cook III
It’s natural to guess that Thomas might have an affinity for James Cook, the Bills’ current lead running back. Cook has been on an upward trajectory since being drafted 63rd overall by Buffalo during the 2022 NFL Draft. Thomas himself was also a second-round pick of the Bills, going 40th overall in the 1988 NFL Draft. There are plenty of professional similarities that allow them to bond, but their friendship runs far deeper than work parallels.
It’s about family, and who Cook is as a person away from the football field. “James’ been an outstanding guy. Ever since he got here, you know, we’ve been really good friends just because — and it’s not because, yeah, he plays the position — but I look at his family, I look at his brother Dalvin Cook who I know very very well,” Thomas mentioned.
They have a strong connection, Cook and Thomas. “He’s such a nice guy; really doesn’t say too much, but I think I’m one of those people who can really — I get a lot out of James Cook that anybody else normally wouldn’t. So, it’s a great relationship.”
It’s a relationship that allows Thomas to observe Cook’s charitable efforts. Thomas knows as well as any former or current Bills player that what you do in the community says as much about you as your on-field effort. With Cook, Thomas sees his efforts as genuine and fruitful. “He’s done a great job with the community work that he does,” Thomas said.
Being a Buffalo Bill demands more of players than just their in-season work. “You know, you’re here throughout the year. You know what? Help out the community,” something that Thomas made strides to do as a player and continues doing now later in life. As for Cook’s work in that realm? “He’s done an excellent job. Really, that whole organization, all those player have done an excellent job of being in the community and doing things for Bills Mafia and people around there.“
Many Bills fans have called for Cook to get more opportunities as a receiver, something Thomas did well during his career. Thomas agrees, and says that “hopefully that’ll be coming,” while revealing “I talked to him like, ‘yeah, you know what, with your ability, and your speed, and your quickness, man, I really would like to see a little bit more out of you in the passing game.
There’s more to Cook developing further as a receiver than just having plays called for him. He needs to continue working toward a full-time role where sometimes he isn’t the focal point as a blocker instead, which Thomas isn’t shy to point out. “In order for him to do that, he has to be out on the football field first, second, and third down. So, I don’t know how much that’s going to come into the offense, but I think he’s ready to go and have an even better year this year.”
While chatting with Thomas at the new stadium, Cook revealed that his personal goals this coming season are to try and win the NFL rushing title again, and to rush for 2,000 yards in the process. Of course, top of mind is his quest to help bring the Lombardi Trophy home to Orchard Park, NY next February.
Building toward greatness
Thurman Thomas continues to lead by example as an inspirational person who works to improve his community and help lift others up. Much of that is due to Patti and Thurman’s charitable efforts, but also because they decided to invest in building Buffalo better.
In many ways, the new Highmark Stadium is a fitting tribute to the work done by so many Western New Yorkers on a daily basis. That includes those lofty heights Thomas, his teammates and coaches continually battled back against in pursuit of Super Bowl Glory.
At the end of the season, Thomas may be right in saying that this really is the Bills’ year. Should that play out as true, then he and 34 Group, Inc. will have played a part in bringing Bills Mafia a whole new level of energy and life at home. It all has the feel of a story 30 years in the making.
