Jesse LeRoy Thomas (May 23, 1928 – May 16, 2012) was an American football player and coach.
After leaving Michigan State, he served two years in the United States Army and then played one year for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
[2][3] Thomas was also an accomplished long jumper, placing 3rd at the 1951 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in that event.
[4] After his playing career, Thomas taught at Morgan State University for over 40 years and served as head coach of the football team from 1985 to 1987.
At Morgan State, he was a physical education instructor, served as athletic director, and also coached swimming, track and field, wrestling, lacrosse, tennis, and badminton.