"A member of the legendary Green Bay Packers' teams of the 1960s, Fred Thurston was first a collegiate star at Valpo.

A two-time All-American in 1954 and 1955 as an offensive lineman, he was selected the ICC's Most Valuable Lineman in 1955. Also a two-time All-ICC choice, Thurston helped the Crusaders to a 17-7-2 record during his career, which included a conference title in 1954.

Ironically, Thurston was recruited to VU as a basketball player. As a Green Bay Packer, Thurston was a starting offensive guard on the first two Super Bowl Champion teams in 1967 and 1968. He played for the legendary Vince Lombardi from 1959-1968, winning five league championships (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967). Prior to his Green Bay days, Thurston played for the Baltimore Colts for two seasons. He retired from the Packers in 1968. Thurston is a member of the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame and the Indiana Hall of Fame.