Two WT all-timers are gone

[MooseLodge]

Former WT quarterback and graduate Steve Kragthorpe died from complications from Parkinson's disease on Sunday, age 59. "The Thorper" was a two-year starter for WT, following the legendary Tod Mayfield, and went on to have an outstanding coaching career in the college and NFL ranks, including OC duties at A&M and LSU, and head coaching stints at Tulsa and Louisville. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the Tulsa University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Former LSU assistant coach Steve Kragthorpe dies at 59 | LSU | nola.com


Former WT running back and first round draft pick Duane Thomas also died over the weekend, age 77. Thomas was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, and was an electrifying talent until an injury cut his career short. His career included leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns one season, and he also was a Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys. He finished his NFL career with 2,038 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns. He is a member of the WT Hall of Champions.

NFL Fans Saddened By Death Of Former Cowboys Running Back (msn.com)

[tsull]

Former WT quarterback and graduate Steve Kragthorpe died from complications from Parkinson's disease on Sunday, age 59. "The Thorper" was a two-year starter for WT, following the legendary Tod Mayfield, and went on to have an outstanding coaching career in the college and NFL ranks, including OC duties at A&M and LSU, and head coaching stints at Tulsa and Louisville. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the Tulsa University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Former LSU assistant coach Steve Kragthorpe dies at 59 | LSU | nola.com


Former WT running back and first round draft pick Duane Thomas also died over the weekend, age 77. Thomas was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, and was an electrifying talent until an injury cut his career short. His career included leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns one season, and he also was a Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys. He finished his NFL career with 2,038 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns. He is a member of the WT Hall of Champions.

NFL Fans Saddened By Death Of Former Cowboys Running Back (msn.com)

Thanks for the post, I read about Steve Kragthorpe last night, very sad. Excellent player and coach and I heard a great guy. I didn't know Duane Thomas went to WT, what a player for the Cowboys. Also very sad. Thanks for the updates, Moose.

[ASUPops]

Former WT quarterback and graduate Steve Kragthorpe died from complications from Parkinson's disease on Sunday, age 59. "The Thorper" was a two-year starter for WT, following the legendary Tod Mayfield, and went on to have an outstanding coaching career in the college and NFL ranks, including OC duties at A&M and LSU, and head coaching stints at Tulsa and Louisville. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the Tulsa University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Former LSU assistant coach Steve Kragthorpe dies at 59 | LSU | nola.com


Former WT running back and first round draft pick Duane Thomas also died over the weekend, age 77. Thomas was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, and was an electrifying talent until an injury cut his career short. His career included leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns one season, and he also was a Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys. He finished his NFL career with 2,038 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns. He is a member of the WT Hall of Champions.

NFL Fans Saddened By Death Of Former Cowboys Running Back (msn.com)

Thomas was a hot mess. Unfortunately, he was a trouble maker. Even though....he wore my Star and may he R.I.P.

[Buffalo/Islander Alum]

Yeah my Dad was at WT the same time Duane Thomas and Mercury Morris were.

I remember as a kid watching Cowboys football with my Dad even when he was still in his 30s he sounded like an old timer reminiscing about these two being the greatest football players he ever saw at WT (was likely right) and he even attended University of Texas his freshman year.

It literally broke his heart and made him realize how old he was when I sent him that link of Thomas's passing yesterday.

[cwfenn]

Duane Thomas - leading rusher in Super Bowl VI when the Cowboys ran over the Dolphins. RIP

[BuffaloChip]

I was in Canyon HS from Nov '67-May 1970. Working at the local Mr. Burger. Mercury Morris and Duane Thomas were regulars. Morris always in his silver Corvette Stingray. Thomas always a walk-up. They'd drop by 3 or 4 times a week. Thomas always @ 7pm Mercury at 9pm. Either at the grill or the serving window, I sold them many a Mr. Burger (double meat double cheese). Morris was a real friendly talkative sort. Thomas more of a sly smile guy holding a secret behind the face. Both were good guys toward the burger joint kid.

During his junior season, Thomas fumbled a couple times in the first 2 games. Joe Kerbel proceeded to bench him for 5 games (I think). When Thomas returned he was a BUFFALO with the ball! Can you imagine a coach benching his star RB for 5 games today? Ha!