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Chicago's Thomas is top rookie on offense

The second-round draft pick outpoints LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego's first-rounder.

©Associated Press
January 16, 2002

Anthony Thomas, not even a starter in Chicago at the beginning of the season, still rolled to a 1,000-yard performance that earned him the offensive rookie of the year award from the AP on Tuesday.

Thomas, a second-round draft pick out of Michigan, was a backup to James Allen at the start of the season. By midseason, he was an overpowering presence in the Bears' backfield, helping them to the NFC Central title.

"A lot of people didn't think I could do it," Thomas said. "But Chicago had faith in me and gave me an opportunity, and I tried to make the best of it."

He did precisely that, operating behind an improved line and keying a balanced attack that complemented a superb defense. Thomas rushed for 1,183 yards and seven touchdowns, with four 100-yard efforts. He compiled his impressive numbers despite missing two games with a hamstring injury and totaling three carries for 9 yards in the first two weeks of the season.

But when he got on track, Thomas was showed why his nickname is "A-Train."

"It's a good offense for a running back," he said. "Our offensive line did a great job and our receivers always do a great job of blocking downfield to help me out. I think it always help when you're a part of a good team that is jelling at the right time."

It certainly helped in the balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL that the Bears were winners.

Thomas earned 20 votes, beating San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson, who had 16. Tomlinson was a first-round pick, the first running back chosen in the draft. Thomas was taken 38th overall -- one spot in front of Pittsburgh linebacker Kendrell Bell, the league's defensive rookie of the year -- and was the fourth running back selected.

"I thought L.T. was going to get it, because he played a little bit more than me," Thomas said. "I'm really surprised. I didn't expect this. I thought it was going to be a shoo-in for L.T. I'm surprised and shocked."

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