Robert Thomas (fullback)
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| Position: | Fullback | ||||||||
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| Date of birth: | December 1, 1974 | ||||||||
| Place of birth: | Jacksonville, Arkansas | ||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 273 lb (124 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| College: | Henderson State University | ||||||||
| Undrafted: | 1998 | ||||||||
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| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||
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Robert Lee Thomas, IV (born December 1, 1974) is a former American football fullback in the National Football League. Thomas played college football at Henderson State University and would go on to play fullback for the Dallas Cowboys, as the lead blocker for Emmitt Smith.
Early years
Thomas graduated from Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, Arkansas, after playing three seasons of football. Back then because of his small size, he played different positions (fullback, tight end, linebacker, defensive end, punter and quarterback).
He attended college at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where he became the starting middle linebacker. He closed out his collegiate career as the school's all-time leading tackler with 388 tackles. Among his marks, he recorded 18 tackles in a single game and 129 tackles in a season. He was named the Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of Year in 1995 and earned All-GSC honors in 1995 and 1996.
In 1996, Thomas participated in the NCAA Division II All-Star game and the Snow Bowl (later known as the Cactus Bowl). He also was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy.[1]
In 2004, he was inducted into the Henderson State University Hall of Honor. In 2006, he was inducted into the Jacksonville High School Hall of Fame.
Professional career
Calgary Stampeders (CFL)
In 1998, he signed as a free agent with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL, but only played in one pre-season game before being waived.
Dallas Cowboys
Thomas was not selected in the 1998 NFL Draft and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys. He made the Cowboys final roster and spent his time playing mostly on special teams.
In 1999, he was allocated to NFL Europe's Rhein Fire and upon his return he was switched from linebacker to fullback, becoming a starter that same season, after Daryl Johnston suffered a career-ending neck injury.
As a starter he became a productive player, earning a new three-year contract in 2001. During that season, he would miss the final 11 games after suffering torn ligaments in his left ankle.
Thomas was released at the end of the 2002 season because of salary cap considerations. During his time with the Cowboys, he served primarily as Emmitt Smith's lead blocker for four of his five seasons, eventually paving the way as Smith ran for 109 yards on 24 carries, while becoming the NFL's all-time leading rusher versus the Seattle Seahawks on October 27, 2002.
Arena Football League
From 2004 to 2008, he played in the Arena Football League where he broke the Georgia Force’s rushing yds record with 250 yds in a season, and tied their rushing touchdown record with 12. In 2004, his first year with the league, he was named to the All-Rookie team. From 2007 to 2008, he played for the Colorado Crush, where he tied the team's rushing touchdown record (9) and was named to the All-Ironman Team.
Personal life
In 2009, he was named an assistant coach for the Arkansas Twisters of the AF2.[2]
References
- ↑ http://www.harlonhill.com/Archives/candidates_by_team.htm
- ↑ "Twisters Coaching Staff Brings Rings". Our Sports Central. March 9, 2009. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
External links
- Henderson State University Hall of Fame Profile
- Jacksonville put Thomas on path to success
- Cowboys fullback Robert Thomas trying to pick up Moose-like nuances