FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Falcons' Assistant Head Coach Emmitt Thomas was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday afternoon during Super Bowl festivities in Phoenix.
Thomas was selected as a finalist for enshrinement by the Seniors Committee back in August. He was selected to the Hall's Class of 2008 off a list of 17 players. He thus becomes the first Falcons player or coach to be placed in the Hall of Fame.
Thomas will join six other inductees in the Hall's Class of 2008: defensive lineman Fred Dean, defensive back Darrell Green, receiver Art Monk, linebacker Andre Tippett and tackle Gary Zimmerman.
Thomas was a standout defensive back for 13 years with the Kansas City Chiefs (1966-78). He played in 181 NFL games, including Super Bowls I and IV, and was selected to play in five Pro Bowls. He owns two Super Bowl rings as an Assistant Coach (Washington Redskins, Super Bowl XXII and XXVI) and one as a player (Kansas Chiefs, Super Bowl IV). Thomas finished his career with 58 interceptions, including one in Super Bowl IV against Minnesota, which is the ninth-most ever in NFL history and he led the League in interceptions twice in a single-season. He is a member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame and his name is etched on the walls at Arrowhead Stadium.
“Emmitt Thomas’ selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame tops off what has been a spectacular career in the National Football League,” said Falcons Owner & CEO Arthur Blank. “Emmitt epitomizes professionalism and he had a spectacular 13-year playing career. The Atlanta Falcons congratulate Emmitt, his wife Jacqui and his entire family.”
It's the cap to what has been a special season for Thomas, who took over as the Falcons Interim Head Coach in December and led the team to a 1-2 record. The veteran defensive coach won his first game in Week 17 (44-41 over the Seattle Seahawks) and was named assistant head coach by new Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith on Jan. 24.
A fan and player favorite, the soft-spoken and gracious coach rarely speaks of his playing days, but was nonetheless honored when his place in the Hall of Fame was decided.
"I'm very excited (and) honored," Thomas said when he was named a finalist last summer. "I thought the window of opportunity had closed for me since I had been retired so long. But I think staying in coaching and staying visible kept my name up there. I’m real happy."
Thomas, 64, began his pro career as a rookie from tiny Bishop College (Texas). He walked into his first training camp in 1966 facing competition against more than 100 players. He earned a roster spot and a place in history.
He was named to the Chiefs hall of fame in 1986 after a 13-year career that included a team-record 58 interceptions.
At the time of his retirement, Thomas ranked fifth in the NFL in career interceptions. He also had five returns for touchdowns in his career, which helped earn him slots in five Pro Bowls. He was a key player on the Chiefs 1966 and 1969 AFL title teams and recorded an interception in the Chiefs’ 23-7 Super Bowl IV win over Minnesota. In 1974 he picked off a career-high 12 passes.
"You have to realize I came from Bishop College – a small college of about 1,400," he said last season. "I was a quarterback there. I walked on at Kansas City and I was fortunate enough to get in the mix of a lot of great athletes. I had an excellent head coach and defensive coordinator in Hank Stram and Tom Bettis. They worked with me. They gave me time to develop. I’ve just been a blessed man."
Thomas went into coaching in 1979 as defensive coordinator at Central Missouri State. He has coached for six NFL teams and served as defensive coordinator for the Eagles, Packers and Vikings.
It's as a coach Thomas has perhaps made his biggest impact.
The Falcons presented him the game ball after his first victory as a head coach.
"Emmitt is such a great man and a great football coach," captain Keith Brooking said after the game. "He's a great example to each and every one of us. He's a true professional."
"I have been fortunate to play in some big football games, but to be the head coach of a group of guys is a hard thing to top" added Thomas. "There is nothing like winning a Super Bowl, but being able to lead this team for three games has been great. The support staff is great here. Any coach or GM would be honored to have this group. It's a great organization."
Veteran safety Lawyer Milloy said Thomas inspired the team to be more than football players in a time of great strife.
"Emmitt is a very gracious individual," he said. "He showed that grace with us. He just told us thank you for being professionals and thanks for his first victory."
Now Thomas' story will forever share some of his grace with countless visitors through the Hall of Fame.
MORE ON COACH EMMITT THOMAS AND HIS INDUCTION:
- VIDEO: Watch the Hall of Fame annoucement on NFL.com
- HALL OF FAME: Official Website of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
- BLOG: This One's for Emmitt
- GAMEDAY: Thomas gets first win as interim head coach
- ASK THE COACH: Interim Head Coach Emmitt Thomas
- NEWS: Thomas named interim head coach
- NEWS: Thomas moves one step closer to Hall of Fame
