Professional Football Player. For seven seasons (1972 to 1978), he played at the running back position in the National Football League with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns. Born Thomas Ashley Sullivan, he attended Fletcher High School in Jacksonville, Florida and played collegiate football at the University of Miami (Florida). Selected by the Eagles during the 15th-round of the 1972 NFL Draft, he appeared in 84 regular season games. Sullivan was a rare positive during an otherwise dismal era (early to mid 1970s) of Philadelphia Eagles' football. In 1974, he topped the NFL with his 11 rushing touchdowns but by the 1977 season, his playing time was reduced as a result of the arrival of running back Wilbert Montgomery. Sullivan suffered a career-ending knee injury during the 1978 season with Cleveland. After retiring from football, he worked as a machinist and held a management position with Kmart. Like many former professional football players, he suffered from the effects of his playing days. He endured severe arthritis and both knee and hip surgery. Additionally, he battled drug and alcohol dependencies. He was killed in an automobile accident in his native Florida. Sullivan to date, remains among the Philadelphia Eagles' top 20 leaders in rushing yardage.
Professional Football Player. For seven seasons (1972 to 1978), he played at the running back position in the National Football League with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns. Born Thomas Ashley Sullivan, he attended Fletcher High School in Jacksonville, Florida and played collegiate football at the University of Miami (Florida). Selected by the Eagles during the 15th-round of the 1972 NFL Draft, he appeared in 84 regular season games. Sullivan was a rare positive during an otherwise dismal era (early to mid 1970s) of Philadelphia Eagles' football. In 1974, he topped the NFL with his 11 rushing touchdowns but by the 1977 season, his playing time was reduced as a result of the arrival of running back Wilbert Montgomery. Sullivan suffered a career-ending knee injury during the 1978 season with Cleveland. After retiring from football, he worked as a machinist and held a management position with Kmart. Like many former professional football players, he suffered from the effects of his playing days. He endured severe arthritis and both knee and hip surgery. Additionally, he battled drug and alcohol dependencies. He was killed in an automobile accident in his native Florida. Sullivan to date, remains among the Philadelphia Eagles' top 20 leaders in rushing yardage.
Bio by: C.S.
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