Odell Thurman

Last updated

Odell Thurman
No. 51
Position: Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1983-07-09) July 9, 1983 (age 40)
Monticello, Georgia, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High school: Monticello (GA)
College: Georgia
NFL draft: 2005  / Round: 2 / Pick: 48
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Tackles:98
Sacks:1.5
Interceptions:5
Forced fumbles:4
Player stats at PFR

Odell Lamar Thurman (born July 9, 1983) is a former American football linebacker. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia.

Contents

Early life

Odell Thurman attended Jasper County High School in Monticello, Georgia. While there, he was a Macon Telegraph first-team All-Purpose All-State selection at both linebacker and fullback, and won Class AA honorable mention All-State honors from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution , and was invited to play in the 2001 Georgia-Florida all-star game. As a senior, he rushed for 1,187 yards and recorded 153 tackles. His high school football coach was Steve Patterson.

College career

Odell Thurman played two years and 23 games at the University of Georgia where he was named an All-SEC player. Thurman was also a semi-finalist for the 2004 Dick Butkus Award. He entered the NFL draft after his junior season. The signature play of his career at Georgia came in a 26-7 win over Auburn in 2003. With Georgia leading 19-0, Auburn drove down to the Georgia 2 early in the fourth quarter. On third and goal, Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell threw a pass, which was deflected and intercepted by Thurman. He returned it 99 yards for a touchdown. [1]

Professional career

Cincinnati Bengals

Thurman was selected 48th overall in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft and his excellent initial play on the field made him an instant candidate for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. [2] Ultimately, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman won the award.

Thurman was suspended for two seasons with the Bengals for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He was released from the Bengals before the start of the 2008 season.

Drug and alcohol problems

Thurman was suspended by the National Football League for the first four games of the 2006 regular season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. According to sources, Thurman did not return to Cincinnati in time and failed to take the test. [3]

On September 27, 2006, the NFL extended Thurman's suspension for the remainder of the season as a result of the arrest for drunk driving. [4] Thurman's locker was emptied by the Bengals organization. Coach Marvin Lewis said he did not want to see Odell Thurman anywhere near the stadium, and he then deactivated Chris Henry for the next game for being part of the incident. Lewis later stated that he did not expect Thurman to play for the Bengals in 2007.[ citation needed ]

On February 21, 2007, Thurman pleaded no contest to the driving drunk charge and said he was undergoing treatment for alcohol abuse. [5]

On May 15, 2007, Bengals' head coach Marvin Lewis told ESPN that Thurman would have the chance to return to the team, if reinstated by the NFL. Thurman was eligible for reinstatement on July 11, 2007. It was suspected that the organization would cut Thurman from the roster, but Lewis said otherwise. [6]

On June 5, however, ESPN reported that he was wanted for assault in Georgia, for alleged kicking and hitting two men. Thurman and his brother were sought for questioning in connection with this assault. The sheriff involved in the case said that the incident was not quickly reported and that a magistrate would choose whether or not to continue with the charges on June 8, 2007. Conflicting reports from witnesses at the party where the assault allegedly occurred however may make prosecution of this case difficult. [7]

On June 8, 2007, papers seeking to dismiss the charges stated above were filed, and charges against the linebacker were summarily dropped. Chrissy Pitts, deputy clerk of Magistrate Court in Jasper County, said "It was settled, we aren’t aware of any terms that were involved in the settlement. That was between the attorneys and the parties.” [8]

On July 25, 2007, Thurman's request for re-instatement into the NFL was denied by commissioner Roger Goodell, so he was not able to play in 2007. [9]

On July 12, 2008, Thurman was indicted by a grand jury for breaking another man's jaw at a water park in Sandusky, Ohio during the previous month, though, he was not arrested on the scene. [10] On March 24, 2009, prosecutors dismissed the assault case against Thurman without prejudice citing insufficient evidence. [11]

NFL reinstatement

On January 28, 2008, The NFL cleared linebacker Thurman to resume working out with the Cincinnati Bengals, a step toward reinstatement from his two-year suspension.[ citation needed ]

Thurman was reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on April 21, 2008. "Odell has met the NFL's conditions for reinstatement and has been added to our offseason roster," said Bengals coach Marvin Lewis. [12]

On May 19, 2008, the Cincinnati Bengals waived Thurman, after Head Coach Marvin Lewis stated that the team "had not seen the right steps taken by him." However, Thurman's representatives reported that the move was related to his missing Offseason Training Activities (OTA's), which are not mandatory according to the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement. [13]

On June 2, 2008, Sports Illustrated reported Thurman, recently cut by the Bengals, had failed his second drug test in three seasons. [14] Four days later, ESPN reported Thurman had been suspended by the NFL indefinitely. As part of the ruling, he could not apply for reinstatement until after the 2008 season. [15]

Return to football

Thurman signed with the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. In 2011, the team relocated to Virginia Beach and became the Virginia Destroyers.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Takeo Spikes</span> American football player (born 1976)

Takeo Gerard Spikes is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Auburn Tigers. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 13th overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft. A two-time Pro Bowl selection and one-time All-Pro, Spikes also played for the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and San Diego Chargers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marvin Lewis</span> American football coach (born 1958)

Marvin Roland Lewis Jr. is an American football coach who is an assistant head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Previously, Lewis was the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals for 16 seasons. He came to prominence as the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens from 1996 to 2001, whose defense in 2000 set the record for the fewest points allowed in a 16-game season and led the franchise to their first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XXXV. This success resulted in Lewis being named the Bengals' head coach, where he served from 2003 to 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonathan Vilma</span> American football linebacker and analyst (born 1982)

Jonathan Polynice Vilma is an American color analyst and former professional football player in the National Football League (NFL). He played as a linebacker and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Jones (American football)</span> American football player (born 1983)

Adam Bernard Jones is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, most notably with the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL). Nicknamed "Pacman", he played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers and was selected by the Tennessee Titans, sixth pick overall in the 2005 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Pollack</span> American football player and analyst (born 1982)

David M. Pollack is an American college football analyst and former player who was a linebacker two seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Georgia, was a three-time All-American, and was recognized as the top college defensive player in the nation. Pollack had 36 sacks during his collegiate career, third most in NCAA history. He was a first-round pick in the 2005 NFL draft, and played professionally for the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals. He suffered a career-ending neck injury in the second game of his second season with the Bengals. From 2011 to 2023, he was a college football analyst for ESPN.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Henry (wide receiver)</span> American football player (1983–2009)

Chris Henry was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver for five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL. He played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers and was selected by the Bengals in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Brown (American football executive)</span> American football executive (born 1935)

Michael Brown is an American football executive who is the owner of the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL). The son of Bengals co-founder Paul Brown, he joined the Bengals upon their founding in 1968 and assumed ownership after his father's death in 1991. Before beginning his career as a football executive, he played quarterback at Dartmouth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Geathers</span> American football player (born 1983)

Robert Lee Geathers, Jr. is a former American football defensive end. He played college football at the University of Georgia. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kenny Irons</span> American football player (born 1983)

Kenny Irons is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft. He played college football for the Auburn Tigers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2006 Cincinnati Bengals season</span> NFL team season

The 2006 Cincinnati Bengals season was the franchise's 37th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 39th overall, and the fourth under head coach Marvin Lewis. It began with the team trying to improve on their 11–5 record in 2005, defending their AFC North Division Championship title, and progress further through the playoffs than they made in the 2005 season having lost to Pittsburgh in the 1st round after losing star quarterback Carson Palmer to injury on the second play of the game. However, the team failed to improve on their 11–5 record to finish at 8–8 and missing the playoffs just the year after they made it to the playoffs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 Cincinnati Bengals season</span> NFL team season

The 2007 Cincinnati Bengals season was the 38th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL) and their 40th overall season. The team attempted to improve upon their 8–8 record in 2006 and were looking to return to the playoffs after narrowly missing them. They failed to do so, finishing with a 7–9 record.

On April 10, 2007, the National Football League (NFL) introduced a new conduct policy to help control on and off-field behavior by its players and preserve the league's public image. The policy, introduced by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, implements a tougher, new personal-conduct policy, and under conditions of the previous policy handed down two of the harshest suspensions in NFL history for off-field misdeeds. Each player that has been suspended must reapply for reinstatement. The policy only applies to the player's personal lives and image in the public spotlight. The NFL conducts separate investigations for drug and alcohol abuse and performance enhancement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 Cincinnati Bengals season</span> NFL team season

The 2008 Cincinnati Bengals season was the franchise's 39th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 41st overall, and the 6th under head coach Marvin Lewis. The team finished the season with 4 wins, 11 losses, and 1 tie, and missed the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rolando McClain</span> American football player (born 1989)

Rolando Marquise McClain is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, earning unanimous All-American honors in 2009 and winning the 2010 BCS National Championship. He was selected eighth overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2010 NFL draft, and also played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vontaze Burfict</span> American football player (born 1990)

Vontaze DeLeon Burfict Jr. is an American former professional football player who played linebacker for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils, earning first-team All-American honors. Burfict was a projected top pick in the 2012 NFL draft until an unimpressive NFL Combine performance and character concerns led to him not being selected. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Bengals, where he spent his first seven seasons. In his final season, he was a member of the Oakland Raiders. He is regarded as one of the most controversial players of his generation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daryl Washington</span> American football player (born 1986)

Daryl Lewis Washington is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the TCU Horned Frogs, and was selected by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft. In May 2014, he was suspended indefinitely by the league for violating its substance abuse policies and was not reinstated until April 2017, where he was released by the Cardinals shortly after.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reuben Foster</span> American football player (born 1994)

Reuben Foster is an American football linebacker for the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL). A consensus All-American in high school, Foster was regarded as the best linebacker prospect of his class before committing to Alabama, where he played from 2013 to 2016. In his final season there he was awarded the Butkus Award, which is given to the nation's best linebacker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shawn Williams (American football)</span> American football player (born 1991)

Shawn Williams is a former American football safety. He played college football at Georgia and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Evans (American football)</span> American football player (born 1995)

Jordan Evans is a former American football linebacker. He played college football for Oklahoma and played for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL).

References

  1. ↑ UGA vs Auburn (2003) Odell Thurman INT TD on YouTube
  2. ↑ "2005 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Page 2 : First person: Odell Thurman". ESPN.
  4. ↑ globeandmail.com: NFL suspends Odell Thurman for season Archived September 30, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ↑ Archived February 24, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ↑ "Lewis: Thurman has chance to return if reinstated". ESPN. May 15, 2007. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  7. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on September 11, 2007. Retrieved June 5, 2007.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. ↑ Assault complaint against Bengals’ LB dropped - NFL - MSNBC.com
  9. ↑ The Enquirer - This article is no longer available
  10. ↑ "Odell Thurman Accused of Breaking a Man's Jaw at a Water Park". NFL FanHouse. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  11. ↑ "Prosecutors dismiss case against former Cincinnati Bengals LB Odell Thurman". ESPN. March 24, 2009. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  12. ↑ NFL reinstates LB Thurman after two-year suspension
  13. ↑ ESPN - Thurman's rep: Release by Bengals came after dispute over family issue - NFL
  14. ↑ ESPN - Thurman reportedly violates substance abuse policy again - NFL
  15. ↑ ESPN - League again suspends ex-Bengal LB Thurman, out for 2008 - NFL
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.