Thayer Thomas Bio
Thayer Rockne Thomas (born May 20, 1998) is an American professional football wide receiver. He played college football for the North Carolina State University Wolfpack and was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Thayer Thomas was born in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He attended Heritage High School, where he excelled in football. During his high school career, he recorded 74 receptions for 965 yards and scored 7 touchdowns. His impressive performance on the field laid the foundation for his future in football.
After high school, Thomas decided to walk on at North Carolina State University. He began his collegiate career by redshirting the 2017 season, which allowed him to develop his skills further before officially joining the team.
Path to American Football
At North Carolina State University, Thayer Thomas started as a walk-on and earned a scholarship in 2018. Over five seasons, he became a key player for the Wolfpack, amassing 215 receptions for 2,484 yards and 24 touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed as a returner, accumulating 681 return yards and a return touchdown.
In 2020, Thomas was recognized as a Third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference player after returning 10 punts for 100 yards. His best season came in 2021 when he recorded 51 receptions for 596 yards and 8 touchdowns. He continued to perform well in 2022, finishing with 57 receptions for 642 yards and 4 touchdowns. Throughout his college career, he set multiple records for the Wolfpack, ranking second all-time in receptions and receiving touchdowns, and fifth all-time in receiving yards.
Thayer Thomas Career
Early Career (2023)
After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Thayer Thomas signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2023. He was initially waived on August 29, 2023, but was signed to the practice squad the following day. His perseverance paid off when he was signed to a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024, after the conclusion of the regular season.
In the 2024 season, Thomas faced challenges as he was waived again on August 27, 2024, but quickly re-signed to the practice squad. He continued to work hard and was signed to another reserve/future contract on January 16, 2025.
Breakthrough (2025)
On September 2, 2025, Thayer Thomas was signed to the Denver Broncos’ practice squad. However, his time with the Broncos was short-lived as he was placed on practice squad injured reserve on October 14, 2025, and released four days later. Despite these setbacks, Thomas remains determined to make his mark in the NFL.
Notable Works and Milestones
Thayer Thomas’s signature work includes his outstanding college career at North Carolina State University, where he set multiple records and earned accolades such as the Third-team All-ACC recognition. His transition to professional football with the Minnesota Vikings and subsequent signing with the Denver Broncos highlights his journey and potential in the NFL.
Thayer Thomas Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Thayer Thomas has received recognition for his performance on the field, including being named to the Third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference in 2020.
Thayer Thomas Awards Won
Thayer Thomas has achieved notable accolades during his college career, including the Third-team All-ACC award in 2020, showcasing his talent as a wide receiver.
Thayer Thomas Family
Thayer Thomas is the older brother of Drake Thomas, who plays as a linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks. This connection to professional football runs in the family, highlighting their shared passion for the sport.
Personal Life
Details about Thayer Thomas’s personal life are limited, but he is known for his dedication to football and his family. His relationship with his brother, Drake Thomas, reflects a supportive family dynamic as they both pursue their careers in professional football.