Dontarrious Thomas
Number54, 55, 56
PositionLinebacker
Birth dateSeptember 2, 1980 (age 45)
Birth placePerry, Georgia, U.S.
Height6 ft
Height in2
Weight lbs241
High schoolPerry
CollegeAuburn (1999–2003)
Draftyear2004
Draftround2
Draftpick48
Pastteams
Highlights
Statlabel 1Total tackles
Statvalue 1144
Statlabel 2Sacks
Statvalue 21.5
Statlabel 3Forced fumbles
Statvalue 31
PfrT/ThomDo21

Dontarrious Dewayne Thomas (born September 2, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Auburn Tigers.[1] He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2004 NFL draft.

Thomas was also a member of the San Francisco 49ers, California Redwoods, San Diego Chargers, and Sacramento Mountain Lions.

Early life

At Perry High School in Perry, Georgia, Thomas was a three sport standout in football, basketball, and track. In football, he was a Class 2-A-All-State selection, and as a senior, had 6 interceptions, returned an interception for a touchdown, had 78 tackles (50 solo tackles, 28 assisted), and rushed for 278 yards on only 14 carries (19.9 yd. per rush avg.).

Professional career

Minnesota Vikings (first stint)

Thomas was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (48th overall) of the 2004 NFL draft.[2] He played four seasons with the Vikings, appearing in 59 games (10 starts) and recording 143 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

San Francisco 49ers

Thomas was originally signed No. 51 upon signing with the 49ers in 2008. When linebacker Brandon Moore was released in August, Thomas switched to Moore's #56 while the newly signed Takeo Spikes took 51.

However, on August 31, 2008, Thomas was released by the 49ers to make room for linebacker Ahmad Brooks.

Minnesota Vikings (second stint)

Thomas was signed by the Vikings on October 13, 2008, when offensive tackle Drew Radovich was placed on injured reserve. Thomas appeared in four games for the Vikings that season, recording one assisted tackle.[3]

California Redwoods

Thomas signed with the California Redwoods of the United Football League in 2009 and recorded 35 tackles.

San Diego Chargers

Thomas was signed by the San Diego Chargers on January 5, 2010, after linebacker James Holt was placed on injured reserve.[4]

NFL statistics

YearTeamGPCOMBTOTALASTSACKFFFRFR YDSINTIR YDSAVG IRLNGTDPD
2004MIN165942170.5110000000
2005MIN144835130.0000000002
2006MIN163120111.0000000000
2007MIN135500.0000000000
2008MIN41010.0010000000
Career63144102421.5120000002

[5]

References

  1. ^ "Football". Archived from the original on April 4, 2012. Retrieved November 2, 2011.
  2. ^ "2004 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2023-05-06.
  3. ^ "Dontarrious Thomas 2008 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
  4. ^ "Dontarrious Thomas - Los Angeles Chargers - news and analysis, statistics, game logs, depth charts, contracts, injuries"
  5. ^ "Dontarrious Thomas Stats". ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved December 29, 2014.