| No. -- Free Agent | |
| Defensive tackle | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: January 10, 1974 | |
| Place of birth: Abilene, Texas | |
| Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | Weight: 340 lb (154 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College: Northern Illinois | |
| Undrafted in 1996 | |
| Debuted in 1996 for the Philadelphia Eagles | |
| Career history | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career NFL statistics as of 2009 | |
| Tackles | 483 |
| Sacks | 20.0 |
| Forced fumbles | 7 |
| Stats at NFL.com | |
Hollis Thomas, Jr. (born January 10, 1974 in Abilene, Texas) is a defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He played college football at Northern Illinois.
Thomas has also played for the New Orleans Saints, St. Louis Rams, and Carolina Panthers. He is currently suspended eight games from the NFL for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
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In 1996, now undrafted Thomas signed a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. In his 9 year career with the Eagles he became a major part of their defense. After the Eagles drafted a young defensive tackle in Broderick Bunkley, they cut Thomas.
Right after Thomas was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles, the Saints claimed him from the waivers. When healthy, Thomas was considered an important part of the Saints' defense, especially against running plays, and he was seen as playing a key role in the Saints' successful 2006 season, when they reached the NFC championship game for the first time in their history.[1]
On December 5, 2006 Thomas was suspended for four games by the NFL for violating the league's steroids policy. In Thomas' appeal, New Orleans team doctor John Amos said that Thomas' asthma medicine contained two steroids, creating a false positive. Thomas lost the appeal.
Thomas tore his right triceps on August 14, 2008 in a pass-rushing drill against a Houston Texans offensive lineman. He was later released on September 11 with an injury settlement. The Saints re-signed him on November 3.
On April 29, 2009 it was reported that the Saints had released Thomas.[1]
On July 29, 2009 the St. Louis Rams signed Thomas. He was released on September 30.
Thomas was signed by the Carolina Panthers on October 1, 2009 after the team waived defensive tackle Ra'Shon Harris. In a game against the Buffalo Bills on October 25, 2009, Thomas tackled a Bills running back in the end-zone for a safety.