From the University of Alabama (1951-54), Thomas (Corky) Tharp played four seasons with the Toronto Argonauts from 1955 to 1959 (he was in the Navy in 1956). Tharp tried out with the Los Angelas Rams in 1955, and joined the Argos after his release by the Rams. Tharp's best season was his rookie season in 1955 when he was second in the East in rushing, behind only Pat Abbruzzi, with 798 yards. Tharp accomplished his total, playing only 7 games. Tharp played both running back and defensive back, also recording an interception in that rookie season. In 1956, Tharp was in the U.S. Navy and played for the Pensacola, Florida Naval Airbase team, leading the league in scoring. Tharp started the 1957 team with the New York Giants of the NFL and played in one exhibition game before being released and returnng to the Argonauts. Tharp had 396 yards rushing in 7 games that year. In 1958, tharp played 6 games for the Argos, seeing action mainly on defence as he had only 6 rushing attempts. Tharp played 4 more games for the Argos, bouncing back offensively to record 241 yards on 41 carfries. In 1960, Tharp was lured back south with the formation of the AFL and played 9 games for the New York Tians.
Tharp Starting in Alabama Backfield - October 25, 1952
Tharp Has 96 Yard Run For Alabama - October 17, 1954
Tharp Released by Rams - September 20, 1955
New Improt Tharp Stars - September 26, 1955
Tharp Enters Navy - January 6, 1956
Tharp Returns to Argos - September 26, 1957
| Year | Team | GP | TC | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | TOR | 7 | 130 | 798 | 6.1 | 4 | 61 | 15 | 257 | 17.1 | 0 | 40 | 20 |
| 1957 | TOR | 7 | 67 | 396 | 5.9 | 3 | 69 | 5 | 58 | 11.6 | 0 | 19 | 18 |
| 1958 | TOR | 6 | 6 | 7 | 1.2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 64 | 21.3 | 0 | 44 | 0 |
| 1959 | TOR | 4 | 41 | 241 | 5.9 | 0 | 29 | 6 | 76 | 12.7 | 1 | 35 | 6 |
| Year | Team | KOR | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | PR | Yds | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | TOR | 16 | 370 | 23.1 | 0 | 48 | 6 | 33 | 5.5 | 0 | 14 |
| 1957 | TOR | 2 | 40 | 20 | 0 | 32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1958 | TOR | 5 | 130 | 26 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1959 | TOR | 3 | 64 | 21.3 | 0 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Year | Team | Int | Yds | Avg | TDInt | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | TOR | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1957 | TOR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1958 | TOR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1959 | TOR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
