Randy Thomas (American football) facts for kids

Randy Thomas, born on January 19, 1976, is a former American professional football player. He played as a guard in the National Football League (NFL). Randy played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The New York Jets chose him in the second round of the 1999 NFL draft. He also played for the Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins.

Early Life and Sports

Randy Thomas did not start playing football until he was in tenth grade. His friends convinced him to join the team at Tri Cities High School. He became well-known in Georgia as a tight end.

Besides football, Randy was also good at other sports. He played basketball as a forward and center. He also played baseball as a pitcher in high school.

College Football Career

Before joining Mississippi State, Randy Thomas played at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. He was an All-America, All-State, and All-Region player there. He started for two years as a "tight" guard.

Experts rated him as the best junior college lineman in Mississippi. He was also the fifth-best player overall. He helped his team achieve a 15–5 record. This included an 8–2 record in his first year.

After transferring, Randy started every game in his two years at Mississippi State. He quickly became one of their best offensive linemen. He earned first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors. He was also on the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

In 2016, Randy Thomas was honored. He was named to the 2016 SEC Football Legends Class.

Professional Football Career

Playing for the New York Jets

The New York Jets drafted Randy Thomas in the second round of the 1999 NFL draft. He started all 16 games in his first year, 1999. He helped Curtis Martin rush for a team-record 1,464 yards. He also helped the Jets avoid sacks in four games.

In 2000, Randy started all 16 games at right guard. He played every single snap that season. He was a key part of the offensive line. This line helped the Jets offense become very strong. They allowed only 20 sacks, tying for the fewest in the league.

In 2001, Randy played and started 13 games for the Jets. He missed three games due to an ankle injury. He helped the team gain 2,054 rushing yards. This was fourth best in the NFL. The team rushed for over 125 yards in eight games.

In 2002, Randy was the starting right guard for all 16 games. He helped Curtis Martin rush for 1,094 yards. He made his 50th career start in week five against Kansas City. He also helped the team win 41–0 against the Colts in a playoff game.

Playing for the Washington Redskins

Randy Thomas joined the Washington Redskins for the 2003 season. He became a strong right guard for the team. He and right tackle Jon Jansen formed a powerful right side of the offensive line. Randy, along with John Hall, Laveranues Coles, and Chad Morton, were called "The Jetskins." This was because they all left the Jets to join the Redskins in 2003.

In 2003, Randy started all 16 games. He blocked well for running backs like Trung Canidate. He also protected quarterbacks Patrick Ramsey and Tim Hasselbeck. His great play earned him a spot as a Pro Bowl third alternate. In 2004, he started 15 games at right guard. He missed one game due to a hamstring injury. He helped Clinton Portis rush for 1,315 yards that season.

On September 20, 2009, Randy suffered a serious triceps injury. He tore the muscle completely. He was released from the team on March 4, 2010.

Playing for the Miami Dolphins

Randy Thomas signed with the Miami Dolphins on August 18, 2010. However, he was released on August 25. This was because he re-injured his arm.

Personal Life

In 2004, Randy Thomas opened a restaurant. It was a Rib joint in suburban Atlanta called RT's. The restaurant specialized in southern-style barbecue ribs.

Randy also once competed in a shrimp eating contest. He went against world-ranked professional eater Sonya Thomas (who is not related to him). Randy was defeated in the contest.