History of Michael Thomas (wide receiver, born 1993) in Timeline

Michael Thomas (wide receiver, born 1993)

Michael Thomas is an American football wide receiver currently a free agent. He played college football at Ohio State before being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. In 2019, Thomas set the NFL record for most receptions in a single season with 149, also leading the league in receptions and receiving yards that year, earning him the title of NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He also led the league in receptions in 2018.

March 3, 1993: Birth of Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas was born on March 3, 1993.

1993: Jerry Rice's Offensive Player of the Year Award

Jerry Rice last won the Offensive Player of the Year Award in 1993 before Thomas won it in 2019.

1994: Andre Rison's Record

In 1994, Andre Rison set the record for most receptions in the first two games of an NFL season, which Thomas would break in 2018.

2004: Joe Horn's Record

In 2004, Joe Horn set the Saints' franchise record for receiving yards in a season, which Thomas surpassed in 2018.

2012: Freshman Season at Ohio State

Michael Thomas played in 11 games as a true freshman for Ohio State in 2012.

2013: Redshirt Sophomore Year

Michael Thomas redshirted his sophomore year at Ohio State in 2013.

2014: Breakout Season at Ohio State

Michael Thomas became a starting wide receiver at Ohio State in 2014 and led the team in receptions.

2015: Jarvis Landry's Reception Record

In 2015, Jarvis Landry set the NFL record for most receptions in his first two seasons which was later broken by Thomas.

2015: Successful Season and National Championship

In 2015, Michael Thomas had another productive season at Ohio State, culminating in a National Championship victory.

January 5, 2016: Declares for the NFL Draft

On January 5, 2016, Michael Thomas announced he would enter the 2016 NFL Draft.

May 9, 2016: Signs with the Saints

On May 9, 2016, Michael Thomas signed his rookie contract with the New Orleans Saints.

September 26, 2016: First NFL Touchdown

Michael Thomas scored his first NFL touchdown on September 26, 2016, against the Atlanta Falcons.

October 23, 2016: First 100-Yard Receiving Game

On October 23, 2016, Michael Thomas had his first 100-yard receiving game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

2016: NFL Draft and Rookie Season

In 2016, Michael Thomas was drafted into the NFL by the New Orleans Saints and had a record-setting rookie season.

2016: Drafted by the New Orleans Saints

Michael Thomas was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft.

2017: Pro Bowl Selection and Record-Breaking Receptions

In 2017, Michael Thomas was selected to his first Pro Bowl and broke the record for most receptions in a player's first two seasons.

January 7, 2018: First Playoff Game

Michael Thomas played in his first playoff game on January 7, 2018, against the Carolina Panthers.

2018: Controversial NFC Championship Game

In the 2018 NFC Championship Game, the Saints lost to the Rams in a controversial game that included a missed pass interference call against Thomas.

2018: Record-Setting Start to the Season

Michael Thomas had a record-setting start to the 2018 season, including a 16-reception game and breaking the record for most catches in the first two games of a season.

2018: Leading the League in Receptions

Michael Thomas led the NFL in receptions in 2018.

July 31, 2019: Signs Record-Breaking Contract

On July 31, 2019, Michael Thomas signed a contract extension with the Saints, making him the highest-paid receiver in the NFL.

2019: Record-Breaking Season and Offensive Player of the Year

In 2019, Michael Thomas set the NFL record for most receptions in a single season and was named Offensive Player of the Year.

2019: Record-Breaking Season and Playoff Loss

Michael Thomas set the NFL record for receptions in a season in 2019, but the Saints lost in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.

2019: All-Pro and Pro Bowl Selection

Michael Thomas was named First-Team All-Pro and selected to the Pro Bowl for the 2018 season in 2019.

February 1, 2020: Offensive Player of the Year Award

Michael Thomas was named Offensive Player of the Year on February 1, 2020, for his 2019 season performance.

October 11, 2020: Punches Teammate, Fined, and Inactive

On October 11, 2020, Michael Thomas was fined and declared inactive for punching teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson during practice.

December 19, 2020: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 19, 2020, Michael Thomas was placed on injured reserve due to a lingering ankle injury.

January 9, 2021: Activated from Injured Reserve

On January 9, 2021, Michael Thomas was activated from injured reserve after recovering from his ankle injury.

2021: Wild Card Round Performance and NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2021, Michael Thomas caught five passes for 73 yards and a touchdown in the Wild Card Round against the Bears. He was also ranked 72nd on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2021: Ankle Surgery and Season-Ending Injury

In 2021, Michael Thomas underwent ankle surgery and was placed on the PUP list. He later suffered a setback in his recovery and missed the entire season.

November 3, 2022: Season-Ending Foot Injury

On November 3, 2022, Michael Thomas was placed on injured reserve, ending his season due to a foot injury he sustained in a game against the Panthers.

January 7, 2023: Contract Restructure

On January 7, 2023, Michael Thomas and the Saints agreed to restructure his contract, significantly reducing his base salary for the 2023 season.

November 10, 2023: Arrest for Misdemeanor Charges

On November 10, 2023, Michael Thomas was arrested on misdemeanor charges of simple battery and criminal mischief following an altercation with a construction worker. He allegedly threw a brick at a truck windshield.