The Philadelphia Eagles today announced that former linebacker William Thomas will serve as the team's honorary alumni captain on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. There will be a tribute to the two-time Pro Bowler at halftime on the Miller Lite Phlite Deck.
A fourth-round draft pick of the Eagles in 1991 out of Texas A&M, Thomas spent nine seasons in Philadelphia (1991-99) and rounded out his NFL playing career with 728 tackles, 37 sacks, 27 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries and 10 forced fumbles. He has played in the second-most games as an Eagles linebacker (140) and is ranked 10th in franchise history in sacks with 33.
Thomas earned his first of two consecutive Pro Bowl appearances in 1995 when he recorded seven interceptions, good for third in the NFL. His milestone that year also set the single-season franchise record for most interceptions by a non-defensive back which still stands today. The 11-year veteran is tied for second in team history with two fumble returns for touchdowns, while also tallying four multi-sack and three multi-interception performances as an Eagle.
In 2012, Thomas passed his PIAA officiating test and has been serving as a referee for area high school games with aspirations of becoming an NFL official one day. This past fall, he volunteered his time as a linebackers coach for Conrad Weiser High School in Berks County, Pa.
