Thurman Thomas reminds students that ‘setbacks are not the end of the story’ at Honors Convocation

Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas received a State University of New York (SUNY) honorary degree from Buffalo State University and delivered the keynote address at the 69th Annual Honors Convocation on Thursday, April 16, at 12:15 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall.

Thomas delivered an inspiring speech to attendees.

"Things won't always go according to plan," he said. "Careers will shift. Opportunities will appear where you least expect them. Challenges will come your way. But remember this: setbacks are not the end of the story. They're often the beginning of the next chapter."

After earning two First Team All-American selections at Oklahoma State University, Thomas was chosen by the Buffalo Bills in the 1988 NFL Draft. In 12 seasons with the Bills, he won the 1991 NFL MVP Award, the 1991 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award, four consecutive AFC championships, and made five Pro Bowl appearances. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

Thomas is an active member of the Buffalo community. As the president of 34 Group-a local construction and engineering firm that he operates with his wife, Patti-and co-founder of the Thurman Thomas Family Foundation (TTFF), he and Patti create important opportunities for people in our communities by spreading positivity and bringing resources to those who need it most.

Following is the full text of Thomas' speech:

President, faculty, students, families, and the entire Buffalo State community-I'm deeply honored to stand here today and to receive this honorary degree. To be recognized by a university that has educated generations of leaders, teachers, artists, and innovators is something I truly cherish.

What makes a university special is not just the buildings or the history - it's the community. A place where people from different backgrounds, different experiences, and different dreams come together with a shared purpose: to learn, to grow, and to help each other move forward. That sense of community is powerful. It's where ideas are challenged, friendships are formed, and futures are built.

I spent a lot of my life on a football field. For many years, my classroom had yard lines instead of desks, and the lessons came through sweat, discipline, and teamwork. Football gave me incredible opportunities, but more importantly, it taught me principles that apply far beyond the game.

The first lesson is preparation. On the field, you don't show up on Sunday hoping things work out. You prepare every single day-watching film, studying opponents, practicing fundamentals, and pushing yourself when no one is watching. The same is true in life. Success rarely happens by accident. It comes from the quiet hours of work that no one applauds.

The second lesson is teamwork. Football might celebrate individual stars, but anyone who has ever played the game knows the truth: no one succeeds alone. Every touchdown, every big play, every victory is the result of dozens of people doing their job-teammates, coaches, trainers, mentors, and family. The same is true for all of you. Behind every diploma is a network of people who believed in you.

And that idea of teamwork is really another way of talking about community. A strong community lifts people up. It supports you when things are difficult, celebrates you when things go well, and reminds you that your actions affect more than just yourself.

And the third lesson is resilience. In football, you get knocked down-a lot. You lose games you thought you should win. You make mistakes in front of thousands, sometimes millions, of people. The great players are not the ones who never fall. They're the ones who get back up, learn, and keep moving forward. Resilience is one of the most valuable traits we can possess, because all of us will face obstacles that we will have to break through to succeed.

Students, the world you're in today will test that resilience. Things won't always go according to plan. Careers will shift. Opportunities will appear where you least expect them. Challenges will come your way.

But remember this: setbacks are not the end of the story. They're often the beginning of the next chapter.

Today you gain knowledge, but also something even more powerful-the ability to think, to question, to create, and to lead. That's what a great education does. It doesn't just give you answers. It gives you the tools to shape the future. And the future needs you.

Whether you become teachers, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, or community leaders, you have the chance to make a difference in ways that matter.

I'd also like to say something to the families and friends here today. Your support made this moment possible. The late nights, the encouragement, the sacrifices-they all led to this day. Students, don't forget to thank the people who helped carry you here. I'd like to acknowledge my own family for always supporting my endeavors. My wife Patti, all my children, and my extended family here with me today.

As for me, receiving this honorary degree today is a reminder that life is bigger than any single career or accomplishment. The Hall of Fame may recognize what happened on the field, but honors like this recognize something even more meaningful-the impact we try to have off of it, and the communities we try to strengthen along the way.

So: be bold in your ambitions. Be generous with your talents. Invest in the communities around you. And remember that success is not just about what you achieve, but about how many people you lift along the way.

Congratulations to each and every one of you.

And thank you, Buffalo State, for this incredible honor.

Photo by Nick Butler.

Video by Ken Giangreco and John Myers.