J. T. Thomas (linebacker)

J.T. Thomas III (born August 15, 1988) is a former American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.[1] He played college football at West Virginia.

J. T. Thomas
No. 52, 55, 97
Position:Outside linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1988-08-15) August 15, 1988
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:236 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High school:Blanche Ely
(Pompano Beach, Florida)
College:West Virginia
NFL Draft:2011 / Round: 6 / Pick: 195
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:158
Forced fumbles:5
Fumble recoveries:1
Interceptions:2
Defensive touchdowns:1
Player stats at NFL.com

Professional career

Chicago Bears

On July 27, 2011, the Bears signed Thomas to a 4-year contract. Thomas was eventually placed on injured reserve due to a hip problem. In the 2012 season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, Thomas forced LaVon Brazill to fumble, and Kelvin Hayden recovered the loose ball.[2]

On August 31, 2013, Thomas was among the final cuts by the Bears.[3]

Jacksonville Jaguars

Thomas was claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 1, 2013.[4]

New York Giants

On March 10, 2015, Thomas signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the New York Giants.[5][6] On December 31, 2015, Thomas was placed on injured reserve.[7]

On September 12, 2016, Thomas was placed on injured reserve after he suffered torn ligaments in his left knee in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys.[8]

On September 28, 2017, Thomas was once again placed on injured reserve after suffering a groin injury in Week 2.[9] He was released with an injury settlement on November 28, 2017.

Personal life

Thomas has a brother named Jared who has autism. Thomas is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity and was initiated through the Nu Zeta chapter at WVU. Thomas attended Blanche Ely High School, where he was teammates with Patrick Peterson.[10]

He gained some national media attention for taking a disabled eighth grade girl in Morgantown, West Virginia to her 8th grade dance on Friday, May 20, 2011.[11][12] He received more national attention after he gave a 14-year-old boy with epilepsy tickets to Super Bowl XLVI, with Thomas also attending the game.[13]

References
  1. "2011 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  2. Mayer, Larry (September 9, 2012). "Jennings plays takeaway in Bears victory". ChicagoBears.com. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  3. Biggs, Brad (August 31, 2013). "Bears waive LB Thomas to reach roster limit". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  4. Stites, Adam (September 1, 2013). "Jaguars claim LB J.T. Thomas, according to report". SB Nation. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  5. Schefter, Adam. "Former Jaguars LB JT Thomas reached agreement with Giants". Twitter. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  6. Eisen, Michael (March 11, 2015). "Giants sign RB Shane Vereen; announce Free Agent signings". Giants.com. Archived from the original on December 7, 2017. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  7. Raanan, Jordan (January 1, 2016). "Giants sign 2, J.T. Thomas and Danny Aiken go on IR". NJ.com. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  8. "Giants place LB J.T. Thomas on IR". Archived from the original on September 14, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  9. Eisen, Michael (September 28, 2017). "Giants make roster moves, place J.T. Thomas on IR". Giants.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2018.
  10. "Thomas arrested in West Virginia". ChicagoBears.com. February 13, 2012. Archived from the original on February 17, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  11. "Bears draft pick makes 8th-grader's day". Articles.chicagotribune.com. May 21, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  12. Wright, Michael C. (May 20, 2011). "Thomas makes fan's dream come true". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  13. Hill, Jemele (February 7, 2012). "Chicago Bears linebacker J.T. Thomas gives the life-changing gift of a Super Bowl - ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
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