At Pacific he played football and basketball, particularly excelling in the latter sport, captaining the team for two years a row and earning All-Pacific Coast status.

[1] While he did not make the Hawks team, Thomas would continue to play basketball as a hobby and fitness activity throughout his professional football career.

[1] Not to be deterred, Thomas packed on 30 pounds of muscle and returned as a free agent to 49ers training camp ahead of the 1958 season, this time in an effort to land a spot as an offensive tackle.

[1] The second effort proved a charm, and Thomas won a place on the team's 35-man roster.

[3] During the off-season, Thomas worked for the probation department of Alameda County, California.