Michael Thomas (defensive back) facts for kids
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Thomas with the Giants in 2018
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| Position: | Safety | ||||||||||||
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||
| Born: | March 17, 1990 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
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| Height: | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 192 lb (87 kg) | ||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||
| High school: | Nimitz (Houston, Texas) | ||||||||||||
| College: | Stanford | ||||||||||||
| Undrafted: | 2012 | ||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics as of 2023 | |||||||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||||
Michael Thomas (born March 17, 1990) is an American football player. He plays as a safety, which is a defensive position in American football. Michael played college football for the Stanford Cardinal team. After college, he joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2012. He is currently a free agent, meaning he is not signed to a team right now.
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Michael Thomas's Football Journey
Michael Thomas started his professional football career in 2012. He has played for several teams in the NFL. Let's look at his journey through the league.
Playing for the San Francisco 49ers
Michael Thomas first signed with the San Francisco 49ers on May 4, 2012. He was not chosen in the NFL draft, so he joined as an "undrafted free agent." This means teams can sign players who were not picked during the draft.
He spent his first year, 2012, on the team's "practice squad." The practice squad is a group of players who practice with the team but don't usually play in games. They help the main team prepare. Michael signed another contract with the 49ers in 2013 but was later moved back to the practice squad.
Time with the Miami Dolphins
On December 10, 2013, the Miami Dolphins signed Michael Thomas from the 49ers' practice squad. He made his first professional game appearance soon after. In that game, he made a big play! He caught an interception from famous quarterback Tom Brady. This play helped the Dolphins win the game with only two seconds left. He played in two more games that season.
In 2014, Michael played in eight games. He started two of them. Unfortunately, he got a serious injury to his chest in Week 9. This injury ended his season early. He finished the year with 18 tackles.
Michael became a regular starter for the Dolphins in 2015. He started 13 games as a free safety. He had a great game on December 20, 2015, making 11 tackles. He ended the season with 85 tackles.
In 2016, Michael made his first career sack and forced a fumble against the Patriots. He also recovered a fumble against the Baltimore Ravens. He was recognized for being professional and helpful to the media. The Dolphins had a good season, making the playoffs for the first time in a while. In his first playoff game, Michael made another interception.
In 2017, Michael signed a new contract with the Dolphins. He played in 13 games that year. He had to stop playing early due to a knee injury in Week 13.
Joining the New York Giants
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On March 26, 2018, Michael Thomas signed a two-year contract with the New York Giants. He had one of his best years with the Giants. He made 59 tackles and two interceptions. He also made 16 tackles on special teams. Special teams are the players who play during kickoffs and punts.
Because of his excellent performance, especially on special teams, he was chosen for the 2019 Pro Bowl. The Pro Bowl is an all-star game for the best players in the NFL.
Playing for the Houston Texans
Michael Thomas signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans on April 28, 2020. Sadly, he suffered another serious injury in Week 10. He tore a muscle in his chest again. This injury ended his season.
With the Cincinnati Bengals
On October 5, 2021, Michael Thomas joined the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad. He was later moved to the main team.
He signed another contract with the Bengals in 2022. His teammates gave him the nickname "Uncle Mike." This is because he was a mentor and a helpful older player to the younger defensive players on the team. He was also named the Bengals' special teams captain.
Michael signed with the Bengals again in 2023. He was released before the season but then re-signed to the practice squad. After the season, his contract ended, and he became a free agent.
Personal Life
In 2016, while still playing football, Michael Thomas went back to school. He earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Miami Business School. This shows he is dedicated both on and off the field!
