.jpg) Thomas in 2011 | |||||||||
| No. 11, 80, 81, 15 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Wide receiver | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | (1986-11-15)November 15, 1986 (age 38) Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S. | ||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 221 lb (100 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Canton (MI) | ||||||||
| College: | Michigan State | ||||||||
| NFL draft: | 2008: 2nd round, 34th pick | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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Devin Thomas (born November 15, 1986) is an American former professionalfootball player who was awide receiver in theNational Football League (NFL). After playingcollege football for theMichigan State Spartans, he was selected by theWashington Redskins in the second round of the2008 NFL draft. He played for the Redskins from 2008 to 2010, theCarolina Panthers in 2010, and theNew York Giants from 2010 to 2011. He was a member of the 2011-2012 Giants team that wonSuper Bowl XLVI, beatingTom Brady and theNew England Patriots.
Thomas attended and playedhigh school football forCanton High School inCanton, Michigan. As a senior, he played WR, RB and CB, for Division 1 (Class A) Canton High School. He was named All-State after rushing and receiving for over 1,000 yards and 23 touchdowns and also had seven interceptions all in his senior year.
Thomas attendedCoffeyville Community College, where he redshirted in 2004 and played as a freshman in 2005. As a sophomore at Michigan State he had only six catches. However, he blocked a punt as a key play in the teams comeback from 35 points against Northwestern. Under head coachMark Dantonio, Thomas played well his junior year with 79 catches, a school record, for 1,260 yards, and eight touchdowns. Thomas decided to forgo his senior year at Michigan State and declare himself eligibile for the 2008 draft.
Thomas was selected by theWashington Redskins in the second round (34th overall) of the2008 NFL draft.[1] On July 18, he agreed to a four-year 4.8 million contract that included roughly $2.7 million in guaranteed money. Thomas is represented byDrew Rosenhaus. In 2008, Thomas won the NFL RookieMadden Bowl, defeating future Bears teammateMatt Forte.
The Redskins utilized Thomas a good deal on special teams, mainly on kickoffs. While his playing time on offense grew from 2008 to 2009, his production was limited. In 2008, he amassed 173 yards of total offense and one touchdown (rushing). In 2009, his production marginally improved to 323 yards and three touchdowns (all receiving), with a career game December 6, 2009, against the New Orleans Saints of more than 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Through four games in 2010, under new head coachMike Shanahan, Thomas amassed no offensive statistics, though he continued to play on special teams.[2]
Thomas was waived by the Redskins on October 9, 2010.
Thomas was claimed off waivers by theCarolina Panthers on October 11, 2010, then waived again on November 23, 2010.[3] With the Panthers for five games, Thomas played only in their 37-13 home loss on November 21, 2010, to theBaltimore Ravens and recorded no statistics.[2]
"Things are so positive around here and we're really pushing to go for these playoffs. I never really had that before. Things have always been dismal and just like a grey cloud in D.C."[4]
On November 24, 2010, Thomas was claimed off waivers by theNew York Giants.[5] To make roster room for Thomas, the Giants placedfullbackMadison Hedgecock oninjured reserve with a hamstring injury.[6] Thomas wore #8 in his first game as a Giant versus Jacksonville because the Giants have no more numbers available.[7] During the team's December 5, 2010, game against the Redskins, Thomas made his first impact as a Giant. On special teams, Thomas had two tackles, including one at the Redskins' 20-yard line, and he blocked aHunter Smith punt in the fourth quarter, giving the Giants the ball on the Redskins 13-yard line.[8] On January 22, 2012, Thomas made a huge impact in theNFC Championship Game against theSan Francisco 49ers, as he recovered two pivotal fumbles, one of which occurred in overtime to set up the winning score that took the Giants toSuper Bowl XLVI.
On March 28, 2012, Thomas signed with theChicago Bears to a one-year contract.[9] On August 5, 2012, he announced his retirement from the NFL on his Twitter account. It was later revealed in theNew York Daily News that same day he retired at such a young age to avoid lifelong injuries such as brain damage. He also said he would prefer to settle down with his fiancée Porshia and their son Devin Jr.[10]
On January 17, 2013, Thomas came out of his brief retirement and signed a deal with theDetroit Lions.[11] He was released by the Lions on August 5, 2013.[12]