Inducted: 2025

Position: Defensive Back

Coach: Tom Kimbrough

Pat Thomas, a standout defensive back for Plano High School, played a pivotal role in the team’s 1971 Class 3A state championship, helping the Wildcats defeat Gregory-Portland 21-20 in a thrilling state final. As a senior, Thomas earned All-State honors and was named All-District his sophomore, junior, and senior years.

Thomas went on to sign with Texas A&M, where he continued to dominate. He earned All-American honors in 1974 and 1975, solidifying his reputation as one of the top defensive backs in college football. His successful college career led to his selection in the second round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.

In the NFL, Thomas made a name for himself as one of the league's top defensive playmakers. He was named First-Team All-Pro in 1980, following up his Second-Team All-Pro selection in 1978. A two-time Pro Bowler (1978, 1980), Thomas racked up 26 interceptions and seven fumble recoveries over his six-season career, making him a takeaway machine in the defensive backfield.

After retiring from playing, Thomas transitioned to coaching, beginning with the Houston Gamblers of the USFL (1983-1985). He then moved to the University of Houston, where he coached from 1985 to 1989. His NFL coaching career included stints as a defensive backs and secondary coach with the Houston Oilers (1990-1992), Indianapolis Colts (1994-1997), and Buffalo Bills (2001-2003). Thomas also coached at Galveston Ball High school from 2013-2018.