Marcus Thomas (running back)

Marcus Bernard Thomas (born May 28, 1984 in Phoenix, Arizona) is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas-El Paso.

Thomas has also been a member of the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos.

High school career
Marcus Thomas is a 2003 graduate of Tolleson Union High School in Tolleson, Arizona. Marcus spent his sophomore year in high school backing former University of Arizona, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns running back Mike Bell. During his junior year he ran for over 2,000 yards while leading Tolleson to the 4A state playoffs. His senior year he was named Arizona State High School Player of the Year and a Parade All-American after setting Arizona high school records for rushing yards in a season with 3,573 yards rushing and 46 touchdowns. He also set the state record for 400 yard rushing games in a season and career and the single game record of 424 yards against Phoenix Moon Valley High School. Marcus left Tolleson as the state of Arizona's all-time leading high school rusher with 5,878 yards and only the third back in state history with back-to-back 2,000 yard rushing seasons.

College career
Thomas finished his college career as UTEP Texas-El Paso's fifth all-time leading rusher (2.615 yards) and third leading scorer (26 rushing touchdowns). He ranked fourth in 100-yard games (11) and seventh in all-purpose yards (3,660). As a senior, Thomas rushed for 1,166 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging over 5 yards per carry (5.1).

San Diego Chargers
On August 30, 2008, Thomas was waived by the Chargers during final cuts.

Detroit Lions
A day after being let go by the Chargers, Thomas was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions on August 31, 2008. He appeared in three games for the Lions before being waived on October 9 when the team signed fullback Moran Norris.

Dallas Cowboys
Thomas was signed to the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys on December 17, 2008 and remained there through the end of the season.

Cleveland Browns
Thomas was signed to a future contract by the Cleveland Browns on January 7, 2009. He was waived on July 15, 2009.

Denver Broncos
Thomas signed with the Denver Broncos on August 12, 2009. He was waived on September 4.