He was selected by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 1981 NFL draft after playing college football at the University of Pittsburgh.
Thomas also played for the Oakland Invaders of the United States Football League (USFL).
[2] Thomas was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round, with the 121st overall pick, of the 1981 NFL draft.
[3] He also appeared in three playoff games that season, including Super Bowl XVI where he recovered a fumble in the 26–21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
[5] Thomas appeared in four games for the Oakland Invaders of the United States Football League in 1984.