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Thayer Thomas
Thayer Thomas
Thayer Thomas
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Thayer Rockne Thomas (born May 20, 1998) is an American professional football wide receiver for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack and was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Thomas grew up in Wake Forest, North Carolina and attended Heritage High School. In his high school career, he racked in 74 receptions for 965 yards and 7 touchdowns.[1] Thomas decided to walk on to North Carolina State.[2]

College career

[edit]

Thomas started as a walk-on for the Wolfpack redshirting the 2017 season. He earned a scholarship in 2018.[3][4] Thomas would go on to play five years for the Wolfpack, recording 215 receptions for 2,484 yards, and 24 touchdowns. He also added 681 return yards and a return touchdown. He would also have a slight impact as a passer going 7 for 14 for 194 yards and four touchdowns.[5] Thomas was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 33rd round, with the 1,007th overall selection, of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft, but did not sign with the team and returned to NC State.[6]

In 2020 he was named Third team All-Atlantic Coast Conference as a returner after returning 10 punts for 100 yards.[7][8] His best season occurred during the 2021 season where he brought in 51 passes for 596 yards and 8 touchdowns.[9] He also had a good season in 2022 in which he hauled in 57 receptions for 642 yards and 4 touchdowns.[10]

During his time at NC State he set multiple records for the Wolfpack finishing 2nd all time in receptions, 2nd all time in receiving touchdowns, and 5th all time in receiving yards.[11]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0+1⁄4 in
(1.84 m)		 198 lb
(90 kg)		 30+1⁄8 in
(0.77 m)		 9 in
(0.23 m)		 4.57 s 1.63 s 2.56 s 4.03 s 6.93 s 37.0 in
(0.94 m)		 10 ft 0 in
(3.05 m)		 15 reps
All values from Pro Day[12]

Minnesota Vikings

[edit]

After not being selected in the 2023 NFL draft, Thomas signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2023.[13][14] He was waived by Minnesota on August 29, and was re-signed to the team's practice squad the following day.[15][16]

Following the end of the regular season, the Vikings signed Thomas to a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024.[17] Thomas was waived by the Vikings on August 27; he was subsequently re-signed to the practice squad.[18][19]

Thomas signed a reserve/future contract with Minnesota on January 16, 2025.[20] On August 26, Thomas was waived by the Vikings as part of final roster cuts.[21]

Denver Broncos

[edit]

On September 2, 2025, Thomas was signed to the Denver Broncos' practice squad.[22] On October 14, Thomas was placed on the practice squad injured reserve.[23] Thomas was released by the Broncos on October 18.[24]

St. Louis Battlehawks

[edit]

On January 14, 2026, Thomas was selected by the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL).[25]

Personal life

[edit]

Thomas is the older brother of Seattle Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas.[26]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Thayer Thomas

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thayer Thomas (born May 20, 1998) is an American football wide receiver who played college football for the North Carolina State Wolfpack and entered the National Football League (NFL) as an undrafted free agent. Standing at 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) and weighing 195 pounds (88 kg), Thomas signed with the Minnesota Vikings immediately after the 2023 NFL Draft, spending time on their practice squad before being waived. He later joined the Denver Broncos' practice squad in September 2025 but was released in October following an injury settlement and remains an unsigned free agent as of November 2025. During his college career at NC State from 2017 to , Thomas emerged as a key offensive contributor, particularly as the Wolfpack's leading receiver in with 57 receptions for 642 yards and notable rankings in receptions per game within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). He also excelled as a punt returner, adding versatility to his skill set. Despite limited regular-season opportunities in the to date, Thomas has appeared in preseason s and maintained a role, showcasing his speed and route-running ability honed from high school stardom at Heritage High School in , where he set reception records.

Early life

Family background

Thayer Thomas was born on May 20, 1998, in , and was raised in . He grew up in a family with strong athletic roots, as his father, Trevor Thomas, was a former left guard and captain at , contributing to the Thundering Herd's 1992 Division I-AA team. His mother, Shelly Thomas, works as a teacher. The family maintains deep ties to West Virginia, where both parents grew up in Fairmont, located in Marion County, fostering extended family connections in the region. In 2010, Trevor Thomas wrote a motivational letter to his three sons—Thayer, Drake, and Lex—placed on the family kitchen table alongside an article about coach . The letter stressed the importance of preparation to increase chances of success, maintaining a positive attitude and strong to achieve dreams, and embracing challenges with enjoyment, drawing from Huggins' halftime reflections on effort and performance. This message of perseverance became a guiding symbol for Thayer's athletic pursuits. Thomas's early exposure to sports was influenced by his brothers, both of whom pursued football careers; , a linebacker, played at NC State and later signed with NFL teams including the , while Lex Thomas, a , committed to NC State and has continued his development there. These dynamics laid the groundwork for Thayer's own entry into high school athletics.

High school career

Thayer Thomas attended Heritage High School in , where he excelled as a three-sport in football, , and . His mother had accepted a teaching position at the school shortly after its founding, providing family support for his athletic pursuits. In football, Thomas established himself as a standout , concluding his high school career with the school record for receptions at 74 for 965 yards and seven touchdowns, helping the Huskies advance to the third round of the NCHSAA 4A playoffs. On the , he demonstrated playmaking ability as a , setting the school's all-time record with 226 assists over his career while averaging 4.1 assists per game. His versatility extended to , where he played as an and , earning all-conference honors as the team's top power hitter in his junior and senior years and contributing to key victories, such as a 9-4 win over Wake Forest-Rolesville with two triples and three RBIs. Thomas's multifaceted achievements garnered significant recognition, including selection as a finalist for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award for in 2017, honoring his excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership. He was also named the school's Male Athlete of the Year for his senior season, underscoring his impact across multiple sports.

College career

Walk-on and development

Thomas joined North Carolina State University as a preferred walk-on wide receiver in 2017, following a high school career marked by limited scholarship offers due to his slight frame, initially listed at 6-foot and around 175 pounds. Despite the challenges of transitioning from a versatile multi-sport athlete at Heritage High School in Wake Forest, North Carolina, he redshirted his freshman season while focusing on physical development. His dedication paid off quickly, as Thomas earned a full scholarship in the spring of 2018—before ever playing in a college game—through rigorous, data-driven training that transformed his body from an undersized 150 pounds to a more robust 195 pounds. Inspired by NFL defensive end J.J. Watt's meticulous approach, he maintained detailed notebooks tracking metrics like quickness, speed, acceleration, route running, jumping ability, and hand-eye coordination, emphasizing consistent progress over time. NC State head coach Dave Doeren later compared this rapid rise to Watt's own walk-on success at the University of Wisconsin. In 2019, Thomas faced a pivotal decision when he was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 33rd round (1,007th overall) of the MLB Draft as an , receiving a six-figure offer after his contributions for . He declined the opportunity, choosing instead to prioritize football and fully commit to his development as a receiver at NC State. Early in his college tenure, Thomas grappled with the physical disparities of competing against much larger teammates, such as linebackers and Jerod Fernandez, and edge rusher , which tested his resilience as a walk-on. This period fostered a profound shift, encapsulated in his mantra "nothing is impossible," drawn from Luke 1:37 in the and reinforced by reading Josh Hamilton's autobiography and Julian Edelman's Relentless, emphasizing perseverance against doubt and rejection.

Statistical performance

Thayer Thomas concluded his five-year college career at with 215 receptions for 2,484 yards and 24 receiving touchdowns across 62 games, establishing himself as one of the program's most productive wide receivers. His career averages ranged from 10.8 to 12.6 yards per reception, reflecting consistent efficiency in the slot receiver role that evolved into a central offensive contribution. These totals ranked him second in NC State history for career receptions. Thomas's statistical progression demonstrated steady growth, particularly in volume and scoring impact during his later seasons. As a true in 2018, he recorded 34 receptions for 383 yards and 3 touchdowns over 13 games, primarily operating from the slot. In 2019, his year, he posted 31 receptions for 334 yards and 3 touchdowns in 12 games, maintaining a similar role amid team adjustments. By his junior year in 2020, Thomas emerged as a more prominent target, hauling in 42 receptions for 529 yards and a career-high 6 touchdowns across 12 games, averaging 12.6 yards per catch. His senior season in 2021 marked a breakout, with 51 receptions for 596 yards and 8 touchdowns in 12 games, solidifying his status as a key offensive weapon. As a fifth-year graduate student in 2022, he capped his college tenure with 57 receptions for 642 yards and 4 touchdowns over 13 games. The following table summarizes his year-by-year receiving statistics:
YearGamesReceptionsYardsYards per ReceptionTouchdowns
2018133438311.33
2019123133410.83
2020124252912.66
2021125159611.78
2022135764211.34
Career622152,48411.624
This upward trajectory in production was supported by his physical development, which enhanced his ability to win contested catches and extend plays after the reception.

Awards and special teams

During his time at NC State, Thayer Thomas established himself as a versatile contributor, particularly on special teams, where he served as the primary punt returner for five seasons. He recorded 70 punt returns for 681 yards, averaging 9.7 yards per return, including one —a 76-yard return against Ball State in 2019 that proved pivotal in securing a 34-23 victory. His reliability in this role extended to three bowl games, where he added five punt returns for 30 yards while also contributing on offense. Thomas's special teams prowess earned him third-team All-ACC honors as a specialist in 2020, recognizing his impact in ACC competitions. He was also named to the 2020 Paul Hornung Award watch list, which honors the nation's most versatile player, highlighting his dual contributions on offense and special teams. In recognition of his overall offensive leadership, Thomas received the Offensive Player of the Year Award in , an honor named after his high school coach and NC State legend. His career achievements include tying for 12th in NC State history with 25 total touchdowns (24 receiving and 1 punt return) and ranking second in program history with 215 receptions, underscoring his enduring impact as a multifaceted player.

Professional career

Entry into the NFL

Following his senior season at State, Thayer Thomas went undrafted in the . Pre-draft projections ranked him as the No. 485 overall prospect and No. 72 among wide receivers, positioning him as a likely undrafted free agent candidate. At NC State's pro day, Thomas recorded a 4.57-second , contributing to his athletic profile as evaluators assessed his potential for professional play. His college experience as a versatile receiver and special teams contributor helped highlight his adaptability for roles. Shortly after the draft concluded on April 29, 2023, Thomas signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted and priority , securing an opportunity to compete for a roster spot. During the preseason, he participated in all three exhibition games, primarily contributing on special teams while vying for offensive snaps amid a competitive wide receiver depth chart that included veterans and other . Thomas faced an uphill battle as one of 15 undrafted signees, focusing on standout plays in returns and coverage to impress coaches.

Minnesota Vikings

Thomas signed with the Minnesota as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2023, following his college career at NC State. After being waived at the end of on August 29, 2023, he was added to the team's the next day, where he remained for the entire 2023 regular season without any game elevations or appearances. In this role, Thomas provided depth at and participated in special teams practices, focusing on return and coverage units to develop his versatility. Thomas signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings on January 9, 2024. He was waived again on August 27, 2024, but re-signed to the practice squad the following day, continuing his tenure through the 2024 campaign without regular season activations. In the 2024 preseason, Thomas appeared in one game, catching three passes for 24 yards. After the 2024 season, Thomas signed another reserve/future contract with the Vikings on January 15, 2025. He appeared in all three 2025 preseason games, recording five receptions for 27 yards. Thomas was waived on August 26, 2025, and not re-signed to the practice squad. Under his three-year undrafted , originally valued at $2,705,000 with an average annual of $901,667, Thomas earned approximately $225,000 in 2024 while on the , reflecting the standard weekly minimum pay for that position. His contributions remained centered on duties, emphasizing special teams development and receiver depth amid the ' competitive wideout group.

Denver Broncos

Following his waiver from the Vikings, Thomas signed with the ' practice squad on September 3, 2025. Listed as wide receiver number 89, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 195 pounds, Thomas was brought in to provide depth at the position following his prior experience on the Minnesota ' practice squad. Thomas saw limited action during the early 2025 season, primarily serving in a developmental role without recording any game snaps before an undisclosed injury sidelined him. On October 14, 2025, the Broncos placed him on the , halting his participation for the remainder of the season. Four days later, on October 18, 2025, Thomas was released from the via an injury settlement, becoming an unrestricted . As of November 16, 2025, he remains unsigned. Through his brief tenure with the Broncos and prior teams, Thomas's total career earnings reached approximately $674,500 by the end of 2025, reflecting minimums and partial guarantees. Observers noted his potential to contribute on special teams, drawing from his college background where he excelled in return roles, though he did not have opportunities to demonstrate this in due to the injury.

Personal life

Faith and motivation

Thayer Thomas's personal philosophy is deeply rooted in Christian faith, which has served as a cornerstone for his motivation throughout his athletic journey. Upon graduating from high school, his mentor, former MLB Pat Watkins, gifted him a inscribed with the "Nothing is impossible," drawn from Luke 1:37 ("For with nothing shall be impossible"). Thomas has described this gift as a foundational tool for navigating challenges, setting an intention for times of hardship and testing. He frequently turns to scripture for guidance, crediting it with instilling a relentless drive that aligns with his adoption of the "Nothing is impossible" mindset. A pivotal influence on Thomas's faith-based perseverance came from a 2010 letter written by his father, Trevor, to Thomas and his brothers, which emphasized preparation, attitude, and as keys to achieving dreams. The letter, left on the family kitchen table one morning, symbolizes a faith-inspired call to steadfastness and has remained a motivational touchstone for Thomas, reinforcing the belief that divine support enables overcoming obstacles. In public interviews, Thomas has openly expressed how his fueled his transformation from a 5-foot-6, 110-pound high school prospect to a competitive receiver, helping him shed the "walk-on" label at North Carolina State by proving his worth through unwavering effort. He has stated that scripture provided refuge during these early battles, affirming his equality among peers despite initial doubts. Thomas's faith continued to sustain him during his transition to professional football, particularly after going undrafted in the . Signing with the Minnesota Vikings as a priority free agent, he spent his first two seasons on the , where he relied on spiritual conviction to maintain amid uncertainty and limited opportunities. He has credited this with building his to earn from coaches and teammates, viewing each challenge as a test of divine possibility rather than a barrier. Through these experiences, Thomas's expressions of underscore a broader of resilience, where biblical principles guide his pursuit of excellence without accepting defeat.

Family ties

Thayer Thomas grew up in a tight-knit family in , alongside his parents, Trevor and Shelly Thomas, and his two younger brothers. Trevor, a salesman originally from , played as a starting left guard on the football team from 1989 to 1993, where he contributed to the Thundering Herd's success in Division I-AA, instilling in his sons a deep appreciation for resilience and physical toughness forged through competitive sports. Shelly, a math teacher, complemented this by offering consistent emotional support and encouragement for the family's athletic pursuits, fostering an environment where perseverance and familial backing were paramount. The Thomas brothers share a strong bond rooted in their mutual involvement in football, with Drake and Lex following Thayer's path into the sport. , Thayer's immediate younger sibling, played linebacker at from 2019 to 2022, later signing as an undrafted with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 before being claimed by the , where he continues his professional career. Lex Thomas, the youngest brother, played at Heritage High School in Wake Forest, where he earned recruitment and signed with NC State in 2022, continuing the family's athletic legacy as a for ; as of 2025, he is a redshirt sophomore who has appeared in college games, including passing for a in 2024. The family's roots, anchored by Trevor's alma mater and heritage, extend their support network across regions, with numerous relatives attending pivotal games like NC State versus Marshall or opponents to celebrate the brothers' achievements. This interconnectedness underscores the Thomas clan's emphasis on unity, exemplified in a motivational letter Trevor wrote to his sons nearly 15 years ago, which remains a symbol of their enduring familial motivation and shared drive.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomTh01.htm
  2. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4240121/thayer-thomas
  3. https://www.nfl.com/players/thayer-thomas/
  4. https://www.vikings.com/news/thayer-thomas-receiver-nothing-is-impossible-receiver
  5. https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-sign-wr-thayer-thomas-to-practice-squad
  6. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/2865035/thayer-thomas/
  7. https://gopack.com/sports/football/roster/thayer-thomas/11403
  8. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/4240121/thayer-thomas
  9. https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/nc-state/article218738375.html
  10. https://www.wvnews.com/sports/local_sports/brothers-with-ties-to-fairmont-west-virginia-now-trying-to-land-spots-on-nfl-rosters/article_7959e5f2-1d1f-11ee-939e-837e2e31acd1.html
  11. https://gopack.com/sports/football/roster/lex-thomas/12950
  12. https://gopack.com/sports/baseball/roster/thayer-thomas/8704
  13. https://www.highschoolot.com/male-athlete-of-the-year/16666585/
  14. https://dailyorange.com/2022/10/thayer-thomas-nc-state-multi-sport-background/
  15. https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/high-school/article140030548.html
  16. https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/article/thomas-im-ready-for-the-challenge-74911609/
  17. https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/nc-state/article266749261.html
  18. https://www.fayobserver.com/story/sports/college/acc/2022/10/06/thayer-thomas-nc-state-football-nfl-draft-2023-jj-watt/69539779007/
  19. https://www.breakawaydata.com/open-field/thayer-thomas-nfl-draft-football-breakaway-athlete-data
  20. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=thomas000tha
  21. https://www.nbcsports.com/college-football/news/drafted-by-boston-red-sox-and-offered-six-figure-signing-bonus-nc-state-wr-thayer-thomas-opts-to-focus-on-football
  22. https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/nc-state/article233354077.html
  23. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/thayer-thomas-1.html
  24. https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/vikings-udfa-profile-north-carolina-state-wr-thayer-thomas
  25. https://theacc.com/news/2019/9/21/thomas-td-return-helps-nc-state-beats-ball-state-34-23.aspx
  26. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/thayer-thomas-1/gamelog/
  27. https://theacc.com/news/2020/12/21/athlete-awards-tigers-irish-lead-all-acc-football-team.aspx
  28. https://gopack.com/news/2020/7/23/football-thayer-thomas-named-to-paul-hornung-award-watch-list.aspx
  29. https://gopack.com/news/2022/12/4/nc-state-football-announces-annual-team-awards
  30. https://www.vikings.com/news/undrafted-free-agents-2023-nfl-draft
  31. https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Thayer-Thomas-WR-NCState
  32. https://steelersdepot.com/2023/04/2023-nfl-draft-player-profiles-nc-state-wr-thayer-thomas/
  33. https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/news/takeaways-from-vikings-first-preseason-game-2023-rb2-ty-chandler
  34. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/82578/thayer-thomas
  35. https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/minnesota-vikings/stats/2024?type=pre
  36. https://web.sportsforecaster.com/nfl/p/177867/Thayer_Thomas/transactions
  37. https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/minnesota-vikings/stats?type=pre
  38. https://overthecap.com/player/thayer-thomas/11155
  39. https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2025/10/14/broncos-thayer-thomas-placed-on-injured-list/86691896007/
  40. https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/thayer-thomas-let-go-by-broncos/
  41. https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/thayer-thomas-player
  42. https://www.yakimaherald.com/sports/professional_sports/seahawks/how-drake-thomas-went-from-undersized-to-seahawks-weakside-linebacker/article_1c6d1dd5-498a-5754-acd6-5c740d8fbb24.html
  43. https://blog.ting.com/welcoming-wake-forest-legend-thayer-thomas
  44. https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/high-school/article266494406.html
  45. https://tomshanahan.report/2022/09/two-triangle-showdown-games-are-a-family-affair/
  46. https://www.seahawks.com/team/players-roster/drake-thomas/
  47. https://247sports.com/Article/family-ties-add-to-significance-of-saturday-for-thomas-family-135500774/
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