He wasn't even a draft pick, although he enjoyed a sterling 13-year career that saw him tie Johnny Robinson for the most interceptions in team history (58).

He came to Kansas City as a free agent defensive back out of Bishop College. It didn't take the Chiefs long to realize they had truly found a diamond in the rough.

In just his third season, he led the AFL with nine interceptions during the regular season, adding four more in post-season play.

Thomas stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 192 pounds. He used a combination of speed and mental toughness to confuse wide receivers and quarterbacks alike. Just when an offensive unit would think it was safe to cut loose with a pass, Thomas would step in front of a receiver and perform his special brand of magic Ð the kind that makes passes turn into interceptions.

One of his biggest interceptions came in 1970 when he picked off a pass late in Super Bowl IV to seal the Chiefs 23-7 victory over Minnesota.

From 1966 to 1978, Thomas anchored one of the strongest defensive secondaries in the league. That secondary teamed with the Chiefs rugged linebacking corps and defensive front line to make it nearly impossible to run or throw against the Chiefs.