Ambry Thomas Bio
Ambry Thomas is an American professional football cornerback who plays in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 9, 1999, in Detroit, Michigan, Thomas is currently a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, where he wears jersey number 38. He is recognized for his development through the University of Michigan football program and his selection in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing approximately 190 pounds, Thomas has spent time with multiple NFL franchises across his professional career. His journey from a high school standout in Detroit to an NFL cornerback highlights his persistence through injury challenges and position changes. Today, Thomas continues to pursue his professional career with the Philadelphia Eagles organization.
Early Life and Background
Ambry Thomas grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where he attended Martin Luther King High School. During his high school years, Thomas played both wide receiver and cornerback, demonstrating his versatility as an athlete on the football field. His performance at Martin Luther King High School earned him recognition as one of the top high school football prospects in the state of Michigan.
Thomas’s senior year included participation in the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, one of the most prestigious high school all-star football games in the country. This invitation showcased his standing among the elite high school football players of his class. Following his senior season, Thomas committed to the University of Michigan to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
Coming from Detroit, Thomas grew up in a city known for producing tough and skilled football players. His high school experience prepared him for the demanding nature of Big Ten football at Michigan. The combination of his athleticism and competitive nature set the foundation for his future in the sport.
Path to American Football
Ambry Thomas transitioned from high school football to the collegiate ranks when he enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2017. The Wolverines program provided Thomas with the opportunity to develop his skills at one of the most historic football programs in college football. During his first two years at Michigan, Thomas served primarily as a backup cornerback while adjusting to the speed and complexity of the college game.
In his first two seasons (2017 and 2018), Thomas recorded 16 tackles and one interception, showing flashes of his potential despite limited playing time. His development during this period allowed him to learn the defensive schemes and prepare for a larger role with the Wolverines. Coaches at Michigan recognized Thomas’s athletic ability and worked with him to refine his technique as a cornerback.
The turning point in Thomas’s college career came before the 2019 season when he was diagnosed with colitis, a serious health condition that required hospitalization. He spent approximately one month in the hospital, and there were concerns that he might have to sit out the entire 2019 season. However, Thomas made a remarkable recovery and returned to the field, earning a starting role for the first time in his career.
Ambry Thomas Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Thomas’s breakthrough season came in 2019 when he started all 13 games for the Michigan Wolverines. He recorded 38 tackles and three interceptions that year, establishing himself as a playmaker in the secondary. His performance demonstrated significant growth from his backup role in the previous two seasons.
Following his strong 2019 campaign, Thomas opted out of the 2020 season, a decision made by many players during the COVID-19 pandemic. He chose to forgo his remaining college eligibility and entered the 2021 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round as the 102nd overall pick.
San Francisco 49ers Breakthrough (2021–2023)
Ambry Thomas signed his four-year rookie contract with the San Francisco 49ers on July 26, 2021. He made his NFL debut in the season-opener against the Detroit Lions, his hometown team, finishing with two tackles in a 41-33 road victory. During his rookie season, Thomas appeared in 12 games with five starts, recording 23 tackles, five pass deflections, and one interception.
His first career interception came in dramatic fashion during the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. With the 49ers leading 27-24 in overtime, Thomas intercepted a pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford, sealing the victory and sending San Francisco to the playoffs. In the postseason, Thomas made his playoff debut in the Wild Card Round against the Dallas Cowboys and recorded a team-high 13 tackles in the NFC Championship Game against the Rams.
The 2022 season proved more challenging for Thomas, as he struggled during preseason training camp and played just 47 defensive snaps over the entire season due to injury. He finished with 13 tackles in 15 games with no starts. However, Thomas rebounded in 2023, playing in 15 games with six starts and recording 43 tackles, seven pass deflections, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
During the 2023 postseason, Thomas played a significant role as the 49ers advanced to Super Bowl LVIII. He recorded five tackles in the Divisional Round victory over the Green Bay Packers and six tackles in the NFC Championship Game comeback victory against the Detroit Lions. Thomas appeared in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs but did not record statistics in the 25-22 overtime loss.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2024)
Thomas was placed on injured reserve by the 49ers on August 28, 2024, and subsequently released on December 17, 2024. The following day, on December 18, 2024, he was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts. However, Thomas was released by the Colts the very next day after failing his physical examination.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2024–2025)
On December 24, 2024, Thomas signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, providing him an opportunity to continue his professional career. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings on January 16, 2025, securing his place with the organization for the upcoming season. However, Thomas was released by Minnesota on August 26, 2025, as part of the final roster cuts.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2025–Present)
Following his release from the Vikings, Ambry Thomas signed with the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad on August 29, 2025. He was released by the Eagles on January 6, before signing a reserve/future contract on January 20 to remain with the organization. Thomas currently wears jersey number 38 for the Philadelphia Eagles and continues his professional football career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable moments of Thomas’s career came during his rookie season when he intercepted Matthew Stafford in overtime to send the 49ers to the playoffs. He also played in Super Bowl LVIII with San Francisco during the 2023 season. Throughout his NFL career, Thomas has accumulated 79 total tackles, 12 pass deflections, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Ambry Thomas Career Highlights
Ambry Thomas’s professional career has featured contributions as a cornerback across multiple NFL franchises. His career statistics through the 2025 season include 79 total tackles, 12 pass deflections, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Thomas’s most notable achievement came during his rookie season with the 49ers, when his overtime interception against the Rams clinched a playoff berth for San Francisco.
San Francisco 49ers Highlights
During his time with the San Francisco 49ers from 2021 to 2024, Thomas developed into a reliable cornerback for one of the NFL’s top defenses. His rookie season featured 23 tackles and one interception in 12 games, while his 2023 campaign saw him record 43 tackles and contribute to the team’s run to Super Bowl LVIII. Thomas appeared in multiple playoff games during his tenure with San Francisco.
Other Performances
Beyond his time with the 49ers, Thomas has spent time with the Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, and Philadelphia Eagles organizations. While his stints with the Colts and Vikings were brief, he continues to pursue his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ambry Thomas Family
Family Background and Football Origins
Ambry Thomas was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, a city with a rich football tradition. He attended Martin Luther King High School, where he developed his skills as both a wide receiver and cornerback. His journey from Detroit to the NFL reflects the strong football culture of his hometown.
Personal Life
Ambry Thomas maintains his personal life largely outside of the public spotlight. He is known by his nickname “Fast Life Von” on social media, where he connects with fans. Thomas continues to focus on his professional football career with the Philadelphia Eagles organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a period of transition for Ambry Thomas. After signing a reserve/future contract with the Minnesota Vikings in January 2025, Thomas was released as part of final roster cuts in August. He quickly found a new opportunity, signing with the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad on August 29, 2025.
Thomas’s role with the Eagles has provided him a platform to continue developing his skills as a cornerback at the professional level. His experience with multiple NFL organizations has given him exposure to different defensive schemes and coaching philosophies. The Eagles organization offers Thomas a chance to compete for a roster spot and contribute to one of the NFL’s competitive teams.
Looking ahead, Thomas’s veteran experience and athleticism position him as a valuable depth piece in the Eagles’ secondary. His career trajectory demonstrates resilience through injury and roster changes, and he continues to pursue his goal of establishing himself as a reliable NFL cornerback.