After playing college football for the Michigan State Spartans, he was selected by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft.

Under head coach Mark Dantonio, Thomas played well his junior year with 79 catches, a school record, for 1,260 yards, and eight touchdowns.

In 2008, Thomas won the NFL Rookie Madden Bowl, defeating future Bears teammate Matt Forte.

Through four games in 2010, under new head coach Mike Shanahan, Thomas amassed no offensive statistics, though he continued to play on special teams.

[8] On January 22, 2012, Thomas made a huge impact in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, as he recovered two pivotal fumbles, one of which occurred in overtime to set up the winning score that took the Giants to Super Bowl XLVI.

It was later revealed in the New York Daily News that same day he retired at such a young age to avoid lifelong injuries such as brain damage.

He also said he would prefer to settle down with his fiancée Porshia and their son Devin Jr.[10] On January 17, 2013, Thomas came out of his brief retirement and signed a deal with the Detroit Lions.