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| Tra Thomas | |
|---|---|
| Name | Tra Thomas |
| Birth date | 10 May 1974 |
| Birth place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in |
| Weight | 320 lb |
| High school | Cardinal O'Hara (Springfield, Pennsylvania) |
| College | Florida State |
| Position | Offensive tackle |
| Number | 76 |
| Draftyear | 1998 |
| Draftpick | 11 |
| Pastteams | Philadelphia Eagles (1998–2009) |
| Highlights | Pro Bowl (2003), All-Pro honors |
Tra Thomas Tra Thomas is a former American professional football offensive tackle and coach, best known for his 12-season career with the Philadelphia Eagles and subsequent coaching and broadcasting roles. A first-round selection in the 1998 NFL Draft, he played collegiately at Florida State University and became a cornerstone of Eagles offensive lines that reached multiple NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl XXXIX appearance. After retirement he transitioned to coaching in college football and the Arena Football League, and worked in radio and television in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Thomas attended Cardinal O'Hara High School in Springfield, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. At Cardinal O'Hara he played high school football and earned recognition that drew recruitment from major collegiate programs, including Florida State University, Penn State University, University of Miami, University of Florida and Ohio State University. During his high school career he competed against local programs from Archbishop Wood High School, Saint Joseph's Preparatory School, and participated in regional showcases that involved scouts from the Big East Conference and the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Thomas enrolled at Florida State University and played for the Florida State Seminoles football program under head coach Bobby Bowden. As a Seminole he blocked for quarterbacks such as Chris Weinke and protected skill-position players recruited from across the National Collegiate Athletic Association, contributing to teams that competed in the Atlantic Coast Conference and bowl games like the Sugar Bowl and the Orange Bowl. He developed alongside future NFL players including Peter Boulware, Chris Hope, Warrick Dunn, and Fred Taylor, earning attention from NFL scouts prior to the 1998 NFL Draft.
Thomas was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 11th overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. He started games at right tackle and became a mainstay on offensive lines that featured teammates such as Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Jamal Williams, Hugh Douglas, and Tra Thomas's contemporaries like Jon Runyan and Tike Price. During his tenure the Eagles reached multiple NFC playoff appearances, including trips to the NFC Championship Game and a berth in Super Bowl XXXIX against the New England Patriots. Thomas earned Pro Bowl recognition in 2003 and worked under coaching staffs led by head coaches Andy Reid and coordinators such as Marty Mornhinweg and Brad Childress. His professional career also intersected with opponents and peers from franchises including the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, and Green Bay Packers. After leaving the Eagles in 2009 he had brief offseason involvement with teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars before retiring from active play.
Following retirement Thomas transitioned into coaching and broadcasting in the Philadelphia sports market. He served on coaching staffs at programs including Jacksonville Sharks of the Arena Football League and held positions at collegiate programs tied to the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Southeastern Conference. In broadcasting he worked with outlets such as ESPN, CBS Sports Network, local AM radio and FOX Sports Radio affiliates, and contributed analysis for Eagles coverage alongside personalities from stations like WIP (AM) and 97.5 The Fanatic. Thomas also participated in player development and scouting roles, collaborating with personnel from the Eagles front office, NFL player development programs, and community initiatives linked to franchises like the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens.
Thomas is connected to the Philadelphia community and has been involved with charitable organizations and youth football initiatives, partnering with local institutions such as Pennsylvania Hospital outreach programs, University of Pennsylvania community efforts, and citywide summer leagues. He has family ties in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and has interacted with former teammates and friends from Florida State University and the NFL Players Association. Thomas's post-playing activities include mentoring linemen who progressed to rosters of teams like the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears.
Thomas is remembered as one of the durable and reliable offensive tackles of his era, earning selections to the Pro Bowl and receiving All-Pro consideration during peak seasons. His role in the Eagles' early-2000s success placed him alongside franchise figures such as Donovan McNabb, Terrell Owens, Brian Dawkins, and Reggie White in team lore. Thomas's contributions are noted in retrospectives of the Philadelphia Eagles' run of NFC contention, and he has been honored at alumni events hosted by Florida State University and Philadelphia-area sports organizations. He remains active in alumni networks of the NFL Players Association and participates in ceremonies and hall of fame meetings related to Delaware County, Pennsylvania athletics.
Category:1974 births Category:Living people Category:American football offensive tackles Category:Philadelphia Eagles players Category:Florida State Seminoles football players