Duke Thomas (American football)

Orlando "Duke" Thomas (born May 21, 1994) is an American football cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns.

Early life
Duke Thomas was born in Middletown, Connecticut on May 21, 1994. Thomas started playing football at the age of 9. He moved to Louisiana and then moved to Texas at the age of 10. He was a three-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, and a member of the inaugural Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team.

College career
As a freshman, Thomas played as a reserve cornerback and on special teams in all 13 games for the Texas Longhorns. He tied for second on the team with 8 tackles. He put up two tackles against New Mexico and one special teams tackle against West Virginia. Thomas recorded a season-best three tackles against Baylor.

During Thomas' sophomore season he played in all 13 games with 10 starts. He started the first six games at cornerback and had a team best three interceptions while playing against Oklahoma State, Baylor and Oregon. During the Alamo Bowl in 2013 Thomas recorded three tackles and one kickoff return for 21 yards against Oregon.

In Thomas' junior year he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 and led the team with 10 pass breakups and tied for second with three interceptions. He tied for eighth in the Big 12 in passes defended (1.0 per game) and tied for 15th in the Big 12 in interceptions (0.2 per game). Thomas set career-high 53 tackles while posting a tackle and a quarterback pressure against North Texas.

Thomas finished his college career strong earning Honorable mention All-Big 12 and second-team Academic All-Big 12 selections. He started all 12 games and finished third on the team in tackles with 58, and second in with five breakups. He also tied for the most tackles for loss among defensive backs (3). Thomas had at least three tackles in every game, and at least four in seven contests. Thomas wore jersey number 28 against Kansas in honor of Freddie Steinmark while totaling four tackles, one interception and a return of 29 yards at Baylor. He was named the team’s co-Defensive Player of the Week.

Houston Texans
Thomas went undrafted during the 2016 NFL Draft and signed with the Houston Texans as a college free agent on May 5, 2016. He was waived on August 30, 2016

Philadelphia Eagles
On October 11, 2016, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Thomas to their practice squad. He was released on October 21, 2016.

San Francisco 49ers
On December 20, 2016, Thomas was signed to the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad.

Dallas Cowboys
On January 16, 2017, Thomas signed a futures contract with the Dallas Cowboys. He was placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2017.

On September 1, 2018, Thomas was waived by the Cowboys.

Toronto Argonauts (CFL)
On October 17, 2018, Thomas was signed to the Toronto Argonauts' practice squad. He was released on November 3, 2018.

San Antonio Commanders (AAF)
In December 2018, Thomas signed with the San Antonio Commanders of the AAF.

Minnesota Vikings
On April 5, 2019, Thomas signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

Personal
Duke Thomas' mother is LaTanya P. Thomas, his father Orlando Thomas Sr. played basketball at LSU. His grandfather Grover Perkins, played for the Kansas City Chiefs.