Awards

IUB Athletics Hall of Fame - 2019

About Donnie Thomas

Thomas starred for the Hoosier football team as a linebacker from 1973-75. A three-year letterman, Thomas was named first-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-America in 1975 after leading the Hoosiers in tackles with 137. He also led the team in tackles in 1973 (98) and was named the team's Most Valuable Player in both 1974 and 1975. For his career, Thomas totaled a then-school record 369 tackles, a total that still ranks third in program history. After his IU career, Thomas was drafted in the 11th round of the NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, where he played three games before ending his football career. Thomas later returned to his hometown of Michigan City, Ind., where he enjoyed a long and successful teaching and coaching career before he passed away in 2017 at the age of 64.