Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas's Biography

Michael Thomas is a consummate professional in the world of American football. Born on March 3, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, he is a wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). His journey is marked by determination, hard work, and an unwavering spirit to succeed.

Thomas graduated from Taft High School in Woodland Hills, California, where his potential as a receiver was duly recognized. He attended Fork Union Military Academy (post-high school), and it was during this time he drew the attention of The Ohio State University. He then went on to attend Ohio State, where he flourished under Coach Urban Meyer’s tutelage.

At Ohio State, he was instrumental in their victory in the 2014 college football playoff national championship. He led the team with 54 receptions for 799 yards and nine touchdowns in his sophomore year. His performance did not drop in his junior year, as he ended up with 56 receptions for 781 yards and nine touchdowns. In January 2016, after his junior year, he announced that he would forego his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft.

Thomas was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the second round (47th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. From there, his rise to the top was meteoric. He settled into the NFL with ease, finishing his rookie season with 92 receptions for 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns. It was the highest for a rookie receiver that year and he consequently made the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

His sophomore year in 2017 brought further highlights to his budding career. Thomas finished the season with 104 receptions for 1,245 yards and five touchdowns. It was in his third season in the NFL that Thomas truly broke out as an elite receiver. He concluded the 2018 season with 125 receptions, leading the league and setting a new Saints franchise record. His 1,405 receiving yards were also a career-high, and he led the Saints to the NFC Championship, earning him a Pro Bowl push and first-team All-Pro honors.

The 2019 season cemented his position as the pre-eminent wide receiver in the NFL. Thomas received a five-year contract extension from the Saints, worth $100 million with $61 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL’s history. He then proceeded to have a record-breaking year. Thomas broke the NFL’s single-season record for receptions with 149. He finished the season with 1,725 receiving yards and was named the Offensive Player of the Year, becoming the first wide receiver to win the award since 1993.

Thomas’ sheer discipline in his sport is laudable. Despite standing at 6’3″ and weighing 212lbs, he is known for his exceptional agility, speed, body control, and the ability to withstand tough tackles. As a wide receiver, his work is often punishing and physically demanding. His effectiveness lies in his ability to run concise routes and his knack for making contested catches.

However, his journey hasn’t been without challenges. During the 2020 NFL season, Thomas was hampered by injury, limiting his participation to just seven of the sixteen regular-season games. Despite the setback, Michael Thomas remains a vital part of the New Orleans Saints and continues to be regarded as a steadfast and reliable option for the team.

Off the field, Thomas is also widely respected. He co-founded the ‘Football Camp for Her’ which focuses on teaching women about the various aspects of football, from skills to safety practices. He has also been involved in numerous charities and projects aimed at uplifting the underprivileged.

Thomas’ dedication towards the sport, combined with his competitive nature and desire to constantly improve, has shaped him into a valuable asset in American football. With his impressive record, natural talent, and unyielding drive, Thomas has solidified his reputation as one of the best wide receivers of his time, etching his legacy in the history of the NFL. Even as he continues his journey, his impact on the sport, his assistance to various causes off the field, and his consistent pursuit of excellence remain an inspiration for both the upcoming and the seasoned athletes in the NFL.