The Hall of Fame Case for Freddie Thomas
For those of you who don’t know, let me introduce you to Troy Trojan legend, Freddie Thomas. Thomas played all four years for the Trojans from 1984-87. He deserves enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame, as a former walk-on turned All-American and here’s why.
Freddie “Bootsy” Thomas was recruited by SEC and ACC schools like Auburn and Clemson before a knee injury seemingly ended his career. He planned on joining the Air Force before a serendipitous track meet at Troy put him on the path to becoming a Trojan.
Bootsy took his walk-on status and made an immediate impact helping Troy win the 1984 NCAA DII National Championship. He would also become one of only two Trojans to win two National Championships four years later in 1987. The other being Mike Turk.
Thomas was named an All-American in 1986 & 1987. He was named All-Gulf South the same years. In 1987, he won the Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Year Award and was voted Team Captain. Thomas and the Trojans went 40-8-1 during his career in the cardinal, silver, & black.
Bootsy still ranks #6 in Single Season Assisted Tackles with 63 in 1987. He is #13 all time in Interceptions (11), #18 in Total Tackles (272), & #20 in Assisted Tackles (119). Thomas was named to the Troy Hall of Fame in 2015.
Though it takes time, Freddie Thomas is the type of man who deserves to have good things come his way. Back in 2014, his lost 1987 National Championship ring was returned to him after 25 years. It’s time another good thing came his way and he is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Yes, Freddie Thomas is a great, honorable athlete and stats provide the data. However, in addition to this he is great human being, family man, friend and he gives back to the community and young people. Let’s support him and make sure he makes it to the College Hall of Fame! Trojan for Life!
Freddie “Bootsy” Thomas definitely deserves to be in the College Football Hall of Fame. I am proud to say that I was a teammate of Freddie, but even prouder to have him as a friend. His play on the field is demonstrative of his athletic ability. Off the field his character is demonstrative of how we should live life…with honesty, respect for one another, and with faith.
Alfred J. “G-Rock” Gardner 🤟🏿