George Thomas (halfback)
American football player (1928–1989)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
George Carroll "Spike"[1] Thomas Jr. (March 4, 1928 – May 23, 1989) was an American professional football halfback and defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants.[2]
Fairland, Oklahoma, U.S.
Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
Thomas on a 1950 Bowman football card | |||||||||
| No. 20 | |||||||||
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| Positions | Halfback, defensive back | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born | March 4, 1928 Fairland, Oklahoma, U.S. | ||||||||
| Died | May 23, 1989 (aged 61) Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S. | ||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||
| Listed weight | 183 lb (83 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school | Fairland | ||||||||
| College | Oklahoma | ||||||||
| NFL draft | 1950: 1st round, 6th overall pick | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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College career
Thomas was a standout high school basketball player, which led to his being recruited to play college basketball for Tulane University. However, first year OU football coach, Jim Tatum, convinced him to stay in Oklahoma and play college football at the University of Oklahoma.[citation needed]
Thomas was a standout for the Sooners, lettering in '46, '47, '48 and '49.[1] He earned All-American status in 1949. Thomas graduated from OU with a degree in Business Administration in 1950.[citation needed]
NFL career
Washington Redskins
Thomas was drafted sixth overall in the 1950 NFL draft by the Washington Redskins. He played two seasons with the Redskins in 1950 and 1951, compiling a total of 371 yards (200 receiving and 171 rushing) and two touchdowns over 24 games, three of which were starts.[2]
New York Giants
In 1952, Thomas played with the New York Giants in seven games with five starts.[2]