Thelan was an outstanding running back who played eight years in the CFL from 1958 to 1966 with Ottawa and Toronto.    Thelan had an instant impact in his rookie season in 1958 as he rushed for 696 yeards.  Thelen followed this with three consecutive 1000+ yard rushing seasons from 1959 to 1961 with his best season coming in 1960 when he ran for 1407 yards.  While Thelan failed to hit the 1000 yard mark in his next three seasons with Ottawa, her ran for 759, 907 and 777 yards in those three seasons as he shared the running game more with Ron Stewart which reduced his carries significantly.  Also, keep in mind when looking at those totals that they were for a 14 game season and that also made a 1000 yard season that much more difficult.  Thelan moved to Toronto for his final two seasons in 1965 and 1966, running for 801 and 745 yards in those season.  The 801 yards in 1965 led the East in rushing.  Thelan also accumulated six Eastern All-Star honours in 1959, 1960, 1963, 1964, 1965 and 1966 (the All-Canadian selections did not start until 1962).   Dave Thelan was elected to the Cananadian Football all-of-Fame in 1989.

Article on Dave Thelan nearly dying during a football game

Thelen Could Go On Any NFL Squad - October 29, 1959