Earl Winty Thomas III is an American former professional football safety who played in the NFL. He had a successful college career with the Texas Longhorns, earning consensus All-American honors and competing in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game. Thomas was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. As a key member of the Seahawks' Legion of Boom defense, he made 6 Pro Bowls and 5 All-Pro teams, winning Super Bowl XLVIII and starting in Super Bowl XLIX. After nine seasons with Seattle, he joined the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent, where he played one season and earned his 7th Pro Bowl invite.
May 7, 1989: Birth of Earl Thomas III
Earl Winty Thomas III was born on May 7, 1989.
2007: High School Track and Field
In 2007, Earl Thomas competed in track and field as a sprinter and jumper in high school. He was part of a relay team that reached the state finals and achieved a personal best in long jump.
2007: High School Football Recruit
In 2007, Earl Thomas was a highly sought-after football recruit, ranked as the No. 12 athlete by Rivals.com
2007: Start of College Football Career
Earl Thomas began his college football career at the University of Texas at Austin in 2007, playing for the Texas Longhorns under coach Mack Brown.
2008: Impressive Freshman Season
In 2008, as a freshman, Thomas made a significant impact on the Longhorns, starting all 13 games and earning multiple All-Freshman honors.
2009: All-American Recognition and BCS National Championship Game
In 2009, Earl Thomas received consensus first-team All-American honors and played in the BCS National Championship game, where the Longhorns faced defeat against Alabama.
2009: Breakout Sophomore Season
In 2009, during his redshirt sophomore year, Thomas excelled on the field, earning consensus first-team All-American honors and being named a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.
January 8, 2010: Declaration for the 2010 NFL Draft
On January 8, 2010, Earl Thomas officially announced his decision to enter the 2010 NFL Draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.
March 31, 2010: NFL Combine and Pro Day
On March 31, 2010, Earl Thomas participated in Texas' pro day, showcasing his skills and athleticism to NFL scouts. Despite a hamstring injury, he impressed with improved times in the 40-yard dash.
July 31, 2010: Signing with the Seattle Seahawks
On July 31, 2010, Earl Thomas officially signed a five-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks, solidifying his place in the team's roster.
September 26, 2010: First Career Interception
On September 26, 2010, Earl Thomas achieved his first career interception in a game against the San Diego Chargers, showcasing his ball-hawking skills.
November 14, 2010: Strong Performance Against Arizona Cardinals
On November 14, 2010, during a game against the Arizona Cardinals, Earl Thomas displayed his tackling prowess, amassing a season-high eight solo tackles.
2010: Seattle Seahawks Draft Selection
In the 2010 NFL Draft, Earl Thomas was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round as the 14th overall pick, marking the start of his professional football career.
2010: NFL Draft Declaration
In 2010, Earl Thomas decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the NFL draft. He was the third defensive back selected, highlighting his talent and potential.
January 9, 2011: First Career Playoff Game
On January 9, 2011, Earl Thomas experienced his first taste of playoff football, starting in a game against the New Orleans Saints.
December 27, 2011: First Pro Bowl Selection
On December 27, 2011, Earl Thomas received his first Pro Bowl selection, a testament to his exceptional performance and impact on the field.
November 4, 2012: Strong Performance Against Minnesota Vikings
On November 4, 2012, during a game against the Minnesota Vikings, Earl Thomas showcased his defensive abilities with a season-high seven combined tackles and a pass deflection.
December 16, 2012: First Career Pick-Six
On December 16, 2012, Earl Thomas achieved his first career pick-six, intercepting a pass and returning it for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills.
December 26, 2012: Second Pro Bowl Selection
On December 26, 2012, Earl Thomas earned his second Pro Bowl selection, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier safeties.
2012: Second-Team All-Pro and NFL Top 100
In 2012, Earl Thomas's outstanding performance earned him a spot on the Second-Team All-Pro and a ranking of 66th on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
January 6, 2013: NFC Wild Card Round
On January 6, 2013, During the Seahawks' 24-14 victory over the Washington Redskins in the NFC Wild Card Round, Thomas started and made four combined tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by quarterback Robert Griffin III.
October 28, 2013: Seahawks vs. St. Louis Rams
On October 28, 2013, Thomas had a season-high ten solo tackles and a pass deflection in a 14-9 win over the St. Louis Rams.
December 27, 2013: Selected to the 2014 Pro Bowl
On December 27, 2013, Thomas was selected to the 2014 Pro Bowl, but was later replaced by Antrel Rolle due to his participation in Super Bowl XLVIII.
2013: All-Pro Team Selection
In 2013, Earl Thomas's exceptional performance earned him a well-deserved spot on the All-Pro Team.
January 11, 2014: NFC Divisional Round
On January 11, 2014, in a 23-15 win against the New Orleans Saints, Thomas recorded 11 combined tackles (seven solo) and two pass breakups.
February 2, 2014: Super Bowl XLVIII
Thomas started in Super Bowl XLVIII on February 2, 2014 and had seven combined tackles and a pass deflection in a 43-8 victory over the Denver Broncos.
April 28, 2014: Contract Extension with the Seattle Seahawks
On April 28, 2014, The Seattle Seahawks signed Thomas to a four-year, $40 million contract deal with $27.72 million guaranteed and a $9.50 million signing bonus.
November 9, 2014: Seahawks vs. New York Giants
On November 9, 2014, during a 38-17 victory over the New York Giants, Thomas had six combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made his lone interception of the season. In the fourth quarter, Thomas intercepted a pass by quarterback Eli Manning intended for wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and returned it for a 47-yard gain.
January 10, 2015: NFC Divisional Round
On January 10, 2015, Thomas had 11 combined tackles (five solo), defended two passes, and forced a fumble in the Seahawks' 31-17 NFC Divisional Round victory over the Carolina Panthers.
February 1, 2015: Super Bowl XLIX
On February 1, 2015, in Super Bowl XLIX, Thomas recorded nine combined tackles, but the Seahawks lost to the New England Patriots, 28-24.
February 24, 2015: Shoulder Surgery and Recovery
Thomas had surgery on February 24, 2015, to fix a shoulder injury he sustained in the NFC Championship Game. He was projected to miss 6-8 months and missed training camp and the preseason.
October 18, 2015: Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers
Thomas had four combined tackles, a season-high four pass deflections, and an interception in a 27-23 loss to the Carolina Panthers on October 18, 2015. In the first quarter, he intercepted a pass by quarterback Cam Newton that was intended for wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery.
December 22, 2015: Selected to the 2016 Pro Bowl
Thomas was selected to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl on December 22, 2015.
December 23, 2015: Selected to the 2014 Pro Bowl
On December 23, 2015, Thomas was selected to play in the 2014 Pro Bowl.
October 30, 2016: Seahawks vs. New Orleans Saints
On October 30, 2016, Thomas recorded two combined tackles, deflected a pass, and returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown during a 25-20 loss at the New Orleans Saints. Thomas recovered a fumble by Saints running back Mark Ingram II forced by Cliff Avril and returned it for a 34-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
November 20, 2016: Hamstring Injury
Thomas had four combined tackles and a pass deflection before leaving the Seahawks' 26-15 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter on November 20, 2016, due to a hamstring injury. His injury caused him to miss the Seahawks' Week 12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ending his streak of 107 consecutive regular-season games.
December 4, 2016: Broken Tibia
Thomas fractured his tibia on December 4, 2016, after colliding with teammate Kam Chancellor while breaking up a pass in the second quarter of the Seahawks' 40-7 win over the Carolina Panthers.
December 6, 2016: Placed on Injured Reserve
On December 6, 2016, the Seattle Seahawks placed Thomas on injured reserve.
December 19, 2017: Pro Bowl Selection
On December 19, 2017, Earl Thomas was selected to his sixth Pro Bowl, recognizing his outstanding performance as a football player.
2017: Missed Tackle Due to Injury Concerns
In 2017, during a game against the Houston Texans, Earl Thomas decided not to fully engage in a tackle to avoid risking a hamstring injury, a decision that drew criticism from fans.
2017: Emergence of "Uncoachable" Reputation
Starting around 2017, Earl Thomas reportedly began to develop a reputation for being difficult to coach, particularly after injuries to teammates Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor.
September 9, 2018: Ninth Consecutive Season with an Interception
On September 9, 2018, during a game against the Denver Broncos, Earl Thomas intercepted quarterback Case Keenum, marking his ninth straight season with an interception.
October 2, 2018: Season-Ending Injury
On October 2, 2018, Earl Thomas suffered a broken leg during a game against the Arizona Cardinals, ending his season with the Seattle Seahawks.
2018: NFL Top 100 Players Ranking
In 2018, Earl Thomas was ranked #48 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list, a testament to his standing among his peers.
2018: Refusal to Practice and Trade Interest
In 2018, to protect his value in free agency, Earl Thomas reportedly frequently refused to participate in practice and expressed interest in being traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
2018: Contract Holdout
At the start of the 2018 season, Earl Thomas refused to attend training camp, demanding a renegotiated contract or a trade from the Seattle Seahawks.
March 13, 2019: Signing with the Baltimore Ravens
Earl Thomas signed a four-year, $55 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens on March 13, 2019, after a last-minute outbidding of the Kansas City Chiefs.
October 6, 2019: Helmet-to-Helmet Hit on Mason Rudolph
On October 6, 2019, Earl Thomas was involved in a controversial play where he delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit on Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, resulting in a fine for Thomas.
May 6, 2020: Allegation of Infidelity and Arrest
On May 6, 2020, news emerged of an alleged incident on April 13, 2020, where Earl Thomas was held at gunpoint by his wife, Nina Thomas, who accused him of infidelity.
August 21, 2020: Altercation and Release from Ravens
On August 21, 2020, Earl Thomas was involved in a physical altercation with teammate Chuck Clark during practice, leading to his dismissal from the Baltimore Ravens.
November 2020: Divorce Filing and Restraining Order
In November 2020, Nina Thomas filed for divorce from Earl Thomas, and subsequently obtained a restraining order against him.
2020: Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team
In recognition of his accomplishments throughout the 2010s, Earl Thomas was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team in 2020.
2020: Lack of Team Integration and Free Agency Struggles
Throughout 2020, Earl Thomas faced challenges integrating into the Baltimore Ravens' team culture and faced difficulties in free agency due to his reputation for being "uncoachable" and a problematic teammate.
May 6, 2022: Warrant Issued for Violating Protective Order
On May 6, 2022, an arrest warrant was issued for Earl Thomas due to allegations of violating a court protective order by sending messages to a woman about her and her children.
May 13, 2022: Arrest in Orange, Texas
Earl Thomas was apprehended by law enforcement in Orange, Texas on May 13, 2022.
August 11, 2022: House Fire
On August 11, 2022, Earl Thomas's residence in Orange, Texas was destroyed in a fire attributed to a lightning strike during a thunderstorm.