Thomas was a 1942 graduate of Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Ohio playing football for the Big Reds under head coach John "Butch" Niemiec, a former star player at the University of Notre Dame under Knute Rockne.

In his four years in high school the Big Reds went 31-6-1 and an Ohio Valley Athletic Association title.

Thomas was a World War II veteran and member of the 1950 Rose Bowl champion Ohio State Buckeye squad that entered that game at 6-1-2 (number 6 in the AP poll).

In July 1950, he signed a contract with the Green Bay Packers and appeared in pre-season games that year, but was cut prior to the final exhibition game.

Thomas retired from wrestling in 1969 after defeating Roger Kirby by disqualification in his final match.