During the 1985 season quarterback Danny White nicknamed Thurman along with fellow safety Michael Downs and cornerbacks Walls, Ron Fellows, "Thurman's Thieves", for their opportunistic play in the secondary, as they combined for 33 total interceptions. He posted 41 tackles and 5 interceptions (second on the team). He returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown in the season opener against the Washington Redskins, contributing to a 44–14 win. He had 2 interceptions against the Cleveland Browns, that stopped 2 scoring opportunities in a 20–7 win.