Veteran running back Marcus Thigpen had an 82-yard touchdown run in Saskatchewan’s 30-29 road win over Toronto on Saturday night, his third TD this season covering 80 or more yards.
The 32-year-old Thigpen also had a 97-yard kickoff return touchdown in a 30-25 loss to Ottawa on Sept. 15 and an 80-yard TD run July 20 in a 31-20 victory over Hamilton.
“That’s what I’ve been known for over the years, my speed,” Thigpen said.
“The offensive line is blocking well for us, the holes are big and once I get to the second level I feel like there’s nobody that can catch me.”
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The five-foot-nine, 195-pound dynamo has spent time with eight NFL clubs (twice with both Buffalo and Miami) and three CFL teams (Hamilton, second tenure with Saskatchewan) since ’09. He’s excelled as a receiver, running back and kick returner.
“I think it’s a testament to the way I work,” said Thigpen, a Detroit native. “I work out every single day, I don’t take any days off.
“I make sure I keep my body in shape, I eat right. I just do things the right way.”
Thigpen has scored 23 career TDs – NFL and CFL – five different ways. Six have come as a receiver, eight on the ground, three via kickoffs, three on punts and another three on missed field goals.
Thigpen has rushed for 383 yards on 43 carries this season (8.9-yard average). He’s defying the conventional wisdom that pro running backs start losing effectiveness after turning 30.
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“It’s really about your mind, your will, what you want to get accomplished,” Thigpen said. “If you take care of your body and have never had any serious injuries, I feel like you can play this game for a while.”
Chris Jones, the Riders head coach/GM, wasn’t surprised with Thigpen’s big-play ability.
“He’s a very explosive player,’ Jones said. “He can play a lot of different positions and he can break tackles.
“Certainly when he gets into the open field there’s very few people who can run him down.”
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