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.).
Thomas was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (48th overall) of the 2004 NFL draft.[4] 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 linebackerBrandon 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 linebackerAhmad Brooks.
Minnesota Vikings (second stint)
Thomas was signed by the Vikings on October 13, 2008, when offensive tackleDrew Radovich was placed on injured reserve. Thomas appeared in four games for the Vikings that season, recording one assisted tackle.