Dontarrious Thomas

Team Number:	54
Birth Date:	09/02/1980
Height:	6'2''
Weight:	241lbs.
Position:	Linebacker

More Info
UPDATE: Dontarrious Thomas now plays for the San Francisco 49ers.

Dontarrious Thomas was born on September 2, 1980 and he calls his hometown Perry, Georgia. He attended Auburn and played four years of college football before being selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 48th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.

NFL

Dontarrious Thomas became the first Vikings rookie linebacker to start a season opener since Jim Christopherson did it in 1962. Along with Kenechi Udeze and Darrion Scott, Thomas was part of a trio of defensive players drafted in the first three rounds of the 2004 draft. 2006: Was a starter in three games, two at middle linebacker and one at strong linebacker. Sacked San Francisco 49er quarterback Alex Smith for his first career full sack on November 5. 2005: Played 14 games and started two. Was third on team with 18 special teams tackles. Had five special teams tackles versus St. Louis on December 11, only one shy of the team record. 2004: Started five games as a rookie at weakside linebacker and middle linebacker. Had 16 tackles (10 solo) and a forced fumble versus Chicago on September 26.

College

Dontarrious Thomas was the team leader in tackles in his sophomore year at Auburn, having twice as many as the next player. Went to four bowl games in his college career. Finished his college career ranked eighth in Auburn annals with 351 tackles. 2003: Was moved into the starting middle linebacker spot for his senior season. Started all 13 games. Named first-team All-SEC by league coaches and honorable mention from the media. 2002: Was third on team with 92 tackles. Defensive MVP of Capital One Bowl versus Penn State. 2001: Second-team All –SEC by league coaches and honorable mention from the media. Recorded 122 tackles to lead the team. 2000: On Coaches Freshman All-SEC Team. Was third on team with 62 tackles as a freshman. 1999: Redshirted

Personal

Dontarrious Thomas was awarded an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship by the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame after being named a National College Scholar-Athlete, one of only eight in Division I football. Was offered a college basketball scholarship by South Carolina. Attended Perry High in Georgia. Was a linebacker, defensive back, wide receiver and quarterback in high school. Also a basketball and track and field athlete in high school.