 Thurston was also named All-Conference for the 1954 and 1955 seasons, while being named the conference's top lineman in 1955.He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 1956 NFL Draft.As the left guard, Thurston was a key member of the Packers' offensive line during the team's glory years under head coach Vince Lombardi, when they won five NFL championships and the first two Super Bowls.