Tag: longhorn legends

Since 2010, there’s been several well-known defensive backs to have successful careers in the National Football League.

Pro Football Talk recently graded their top 10 safeties of the decade, where Longhorn legend Earl Thomas snagged the No. 1 spot.

This is no easy feat, as Thomas beat out popular names such as Troy Polamalu, Eric Berry, Devin McCourty, Eric Weddle and Kam Chancellor. According to PFT, it’s primarily due to Thomas’ accomplishments throughout his stint with the Seattle Seahawks.

“Thomas anchored the best secondary of the decade during his time in Seattle and has a Super Bowl ring to show for their efforts. Thomas was named a first-team All-Pro three times during his run in Seattle and made an impact across the board, but especially in the passing game. He ranks third among all players in interceptions since 2010 and his play with the Ravens this season shows that there will be more to come.”

After being selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Thomas has played in 140 games totaling 30 interceptions and 713 tackles. He was a leader of the Legion of Boom defense in Seattle whom hoisted the Lombardi Trophy for the 2013 season. He later went on to sign a four-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens in March of 2019.

Thomas played under head coach Mack Brown at Texas from 2007 to 2009. After redshirting his first year with the program, he dominated his freshman season starting all 13 games at strong safety while earning numerous All-Freshman honors. As a sophomore, Thomas led the Longhorns defense to an undefeated season before losing to Alabama in the 2010 National Championship.

Although he only played for two years on the Forty Acres, Thomas remains one of the best players to ever come through the Texas program.