Joe Thomas (linebacker) facts for kids
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Thomas with the Green Bay Packers in 2015
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||||||||||
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||
| Born: | May 6, 1991 Aiken, South Carolina, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 227 lb (103 kg) | ||||||||||||
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| High school: | Blackville-Hilda (Blackville, South Carolina) |
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| College: | South Carolina State | ||||||||||||
| Undrafted: | 2014 | ||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||||
Joe Lewis Thomas Jr. (born May 6, 1991) is an American football linebacker. He played college football at South Carolina State University. He later joined the Green Bay Packers in 2014.
Contents
Early Life and High School Sports
Joe Thomas Jr. grew up playing many sports. He went to Blackville-Hilda High School. There, he played football, basketball, track, and soccer.
Football Star in High School
In high school football, Joe was a running back. He was named All-state in his last two years. As a senior, he ran for almost 2,000 yards. He also scored 31 touchdowns. He was even named the Division 1A South Carolina Player of the Year.
Other Sports
Joe also showed his athletic skills in track. He competed in relay races and the shot put.
College Football Career
Joe Thomas Jr. earned a football scholarship. He went to South Carolina State University. He played as a linebacker for the South Carolina State Bulldogs.
Freshman and Sophomore Years
As a freshman, he played in most games. He helped out a lot on special teams. In his second year, he became a starter. He made 100 tackles and led his team with 3 interceptions. He was named the team's defensive MVP.
Junior and Senior Years
During his junior year, Joe started strong. However, an injury ended his season early. He came back strong for his senior year. He was part of a defense that was ranked number one. He helped his school win the MEAC Championship. He made 115 tackles and 7.5 sacks that year. He was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Joe finished his college career with 271 tackles. He also had 11.5 sacks and 4 interceptions.
Professional Football Journey
Joe Thomas Jr. began his professional career in 2014. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers.
First Time with the Green Bay Packers
The Packers signed Joe as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He dealt with a knee injury that year. He spent some time on the team's practice squad.
Joining the Dallas Cowboys (First Time)
In September 2015, Joe joined the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad.
Back with the Green Bay Packers (Second Time)
Later in September 2015, the Packers brought Joe back. He played in 14 games that season. He made 24 tackles and had one sack. He also played in two playoff games.
In 2016, Joe played in all 16 games. He started 7 of them as an inside linebacker. He made 77 tackles and had his first NFL interception. He was a key player in the Packers' defense. He also played in all three playoff games that year.
He re-signed with the Packers in 2017. He played in 12 games, but missed some due to an ankle injury.
Playing for the Dallas Cowboys (Second Time)
In 2018, Joe signed a two-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys. He was a backup linebacker. He played in 10 games, but missed some due to a foot injury.
In 2019, he played in 15 games. He mostly played on special teams. He made 36 tackles that season. He re-signed with the Cowboys in 2020. He stepped up when another player was injured. He started 4 games at middle linebacker. He had a career-high 12 tackles in one game. He finished the season with 43 tackles.
Time with the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens
In 2021, Joe signed with the Houston Texans. He played in 5 games before being released. Later that year, he joined the Baltimore Ravens practice squad. He played in 2 games for them.
Final Stint with the Chicago Bears
In 2022, Joe signed with the Chicago Bears. He was promoted to the active roster in September. He played in 15 games and started 9 of them. He made 61 tackles and had one sack. He was not re-signed after the season.
Personal Life and Family
Joe Thomas Jr. has an interesting family story. His father, Joe Thomas Sr., also went to South Carolina State University. In 2016, his father became the oldest player (at 55 years old) to play in an NCAA Division I game. He had a three-yard carry in that game. Joe Jr. and his father were never teammates in college. This was because Joe Sr. had injuries from a car accident.
Images for kids
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Joe Thomas with the Green Bay Packers in 2015
