Important Dates in Bills History, presented by M&T Bank, helps fans recognize what’s important. In the NFL, having a strong rushing attack is important and on Oct. 20, 1996, Bills iconic running back Thurman Thomas earned his way into the record books as the team’s all-time rusher.
Thomas accomplished the feat while the Bills took on division rival the New York Jets for the first time that season. Compiling 97 yards rushing on 24 carries, and another 17 yards receiving, Thomas helped propel the Bills to a 25-22 victory. Thomas finished the 1996 season with 1,033 yards rushing and eight touchdowns.