Adalius Donquail Thomas (born July 18, 1977 in
Equality, Alabama) is an American football
linebacker for the New England Patriots of the
National Football League. His cousin Justin Tuck
plays defensive end for the New York Giants.
Thomas attended Central Coosa High School in
Rockford, Alabama and was a letterman in football
and basketball. In football, as a senior, he was
named as a Class 4A All-State selection by the
Birmingham News and as a Honorable Mention Class 4A
All-State selection by the Montgomery Adviser. In
basketball, as a senior, he led his team to the
State Title and was named the Alabama Class 4A
Player of the Year.
Adalius Thomas attended The University of Southern
Mississippi, where he was a star defensive player.
In college he wore #97. In the 1998-99 season,
Thomas was a first team All-American and tied for
Defensive Player of the Year. Thomas was also the
MVP of the 1999 Liberty Bowl. He was named as a
finalist for the Conerly Trophy in 1999. The 2000
Senior Bowl was Thomas's final college game.
In seven NFL seasons, Thomas has recorded 261 solo
tackles, 38.5 sacks, forced 13 fumbles and recorded
6 interceptions. He was selected to play in the Pro
Bowl two times, in 2003 and 2006.
