Ambry Thomas
{{Short description|American football player (born 1999)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Ambry Thomas
| image = Ambry Thomas (2018).jpg
| alt =
| caption = Thomas with the Michigan Wolverines in 2018
| current_team = Minnesota Vikings
| number = 38
| position = Cornerback
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|9|9}}
| birth_place = Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 0
| weight_lb = 190
| high_school = Martin Luther King {{nowrap|(Detroit, Michigan)}}
| college = Michigan (2017–2020)
| draftyear = 2021
| draftround = 3
| draftpick = 102
| pastteams =
- San Francisco 49ers ({{NFL Year|2021|2024}})
- Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2024}})*
- Minnesota Vikings ({{NFL Year|2024}}–present)*
| status = Active
| highlights =
| pfr = ThomAm00
| statweek =
| statseason = 2023
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 79
| statlabel2 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue2 = 1
| statlabel3 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue3 = 1
| statlabel4 = Pass deflections
| statvalue4 = 12
| statlabel5 = Interceptions
| statvalue5 = 2
}}
Ambry Thomas (born September 9, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Early life
Thomas attended Martin Luther King High School in Detroit, Michigan. He played wide receiver and cornerback. Thomas played in the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.{{Cite web |last=Farrell |first=Perry A. |date=September 22, 2016 |title=Detroit King star Ambry Thomas to play in Army All-American bowl |url=https://usatodayhss.com/2016/detroit-king-star-ambry-thomas-to-play-in-army-allamerican-bowl |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=USA TODAY High School Sports |language=en-US}} He committed to the University of Michigan to play college football.{{Cite web |last=Snyder |first=Mark |date=December 7, 2016 |title=Detroit King star DB Ambry Thomas commits to Michigan |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2016/12/07/michigan-football-ambry-thomas/95124070/ |access-date=May 23, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press}}{{Cite web |last=Lorenz |first=Steve |date=December 8, 2016 |title=King's Ambry Thomas wanted to accept Jim Harbaugh's challenge |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2016/12/08/michigan-football-ambry-thomas/95160536/ |access-date=May 23, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press}}
College career
Thomas spent his first two years at Michigan in 2017 and 2018 as a backup, recording 16 tackles and one interception during the two years. Prior to the 2019 season he spent a month in the hospital after being diagnosed with colitis.{{Cite web |last=Sang |first=Orion |date=September 17, 2019 |title=Why Michigan football's Ambry Thomas thought he'd have to 'sit out this year' |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2019/09/17/michigan-football-ambry-thomas-colitis/2346925001/ |access-date=May 23, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press}} After believing he'd have to sit out the year due to the condition, Thomas returned and he became a starter for the first time.{{Cite web |last=Zuke |first=Ryan |date=September 16, 2019 |title=How Michigan’s Ambry Thomas went from longshot to playing in 2019 to starting Week 1 |url=https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2019/09/how-michigans-ambry-thomas-went-from-longshot-to-playing-in-2019-to-starting-role.html |access-date=May 23, 2023 |website=mlive.com}} He started all 13 games and had 38 tackles and three interceptions that season. Thomas opted out of the 2020 season and entered the 2021 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=VanHaaren |first=Tom |date=August 21, 2020 |title=Wolverines CB Thomas declares for NFL draft |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/29707468/michigan-cb-ambry-thomas-declares-nfl-draft |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=McMann |first=Aaron |date=March 24, 2021 |title=Michigan’s Ambry Thomas confident in NFL ability: ‘I’m a top-5 cornerback’ |url=https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2021/03/michigans-ambry-thomas-confident-in-nfl-ability-im-a-top-5-cornerback.html |access-date=May 23, 2023 |website=mlive.com}}
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 11 7/8
| weight = 191
| dash = 4.40
| ten split = 1.58
| twenty split = 2.57
| shuttle =
| cone drill =
| vertical = 38.0
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 2
| bench = 15
| arm span = 32 1/4
| hand span = 8 5/8
| wonderlic =
| note = All values from Pro Day{{Cite web |title=Ambry Thomas Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/ambry-thomas/32005448-4f02-1217-3985-ccf716f6a559 |access-date=January 13, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=Ambry Thomas, Michigan, CB, 2021 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1021743&DraftYear=2021 |access-date=January 13, 2022 |website=draftscout.com}}
}}
=San Francisco 49ers=
Thomas was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round, 102nd overall, of the 2021 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Posey |first=Kyle |date=April 30, 2021 |title=Pick No. 102: 49ers select Michigan CB Ambry Thomas |url=https://www.ninersnation.com/2021/4/30/22413582/pick-no-102-49ers-select-michigan-cb-ambry-thomas |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=Niners Nation |language=en}} He signed his four-year rookie contract with San Francisco on July 26, 2021.{{Cite web |date=July 26, 2021 |title=49ers Sign CB Ambry Thomas to a Four-Year Deal; Release DL |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-cb-ambry-thomas-to-a-four-year-deal-release-dl |access-date=July 27, 2021 |website=49ers.com}} On January 9, 2022, Thomas recorded his first career interception, picking off Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the last game of the regular season in overtime with the 49ers leading 27–24. The win sent the 49ers to the 2021–22 NFL playoffs.{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Briana |date=January 11, 2022 |title=Making Skeptics Believers: Ambry Thomas' Tough Road to Storybook Ending |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/ambry-thomas-rookie-49ers-rams-interception-postseason-playoffs-cornerback |access-date=January 12, 2022 |website=49ers.com}}
In 2022, Thomas struggled during the 49ers preseason training camp and was in danger of missing the final 53–man roster due to injury and the rise to prominence of rookie cornerbacks Deommodore Lenoir and Samuel Womack.{{Cite web |last=Sanchez III |first=Luis Sanchez |date=August 23, 2022 |title=Ambry Thomas Making the 49ers Final 53–man Roster Looks Bleak |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/49ers/news/ambry-thomas-making-49ers-final-53-man-roster-looks-bleak |access-date=December 17, 2023 |website=SI.com}} Though he did make the final roster,{{Cite web |last=Pallares |first=Lindsey |date=August 30, 2023 |title=Position-by-Position Breakdown of the 49ers Initial 2022 53–Man Roster |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/position-breakdown-49ers-2022-53-man-roster-lance-bosa-garoppolo-ward-kittle |access-date=December 17, 2023 |website=49ers.com}} he played just 47 defensive snaps over the course of the season and did not participate in the playoffs due to an ankle injury.{{Cite web |last=Branch |first=Eric |date=August 7, 2023 |title=49ers' Ambry Thomas, candid and humbled, takes blame for lost year |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/happened-49ers-ambry-thomas-lost-second-season-18282808.php |access-date=December 17, 2023 |website=SFChronicle.com}}{{Cite web |title=2022 San Francisco 49ers Injuries |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2022_injuries.htm |access-date=December 17, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}
In 2023, Thomas recorded his first career forced fumble and fumble recovery in a Week 10, 34–3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2023 |title=49ers dominate Jaguars 34–3 to end a 3–game skid and look like Super Bowl contenders again |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401547532 |access-date=December 17, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Two weeks later, during a 31–13 win over the Seattle Seahawks, he recorded his second career interception.{{Cite web |date=November 24, 2023 |title=Christian McCaffrey's big first half carries NFC West-leading 49ers to 31–13 victory over Seahawks |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401547553 |access-date=December 17, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}
Thomas was placed on injured reserve on August 28, 2024.{{Cite web |date=August 28, 2024 |title=49ers Sign Three Players, Place Two Players on Injured Reserve and Other Moves |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-three-players-place-two-players-on-injured-reserve-and-other-moves |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=49ers.com}} He was released on December 17.{{cite web|title=49ers Sign an Offensive Lineman and Linebacker to the Practice Squad and Other Moves Ahead of Week 16|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-an-offensive-lineman-and-linebacker-to-the-practice-squad-and-other-moves-ahead-of-week-16|website=49ers.com|date=December 17, 2024|access-date=December 17, 2024}}
On December 18, 2024, Thomas was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts, but was released after failing his physical.{{cite web|title= Colts claim CB Ambry Thomas off waivers |url= https://www.colts.com/news/colts-claim-cb-ambry-thomas-off-waivers |website=colts.com|date=December 18, 2024|access-date=December 18, 2024}}{{cite web | last=Thanawalla | first=Ali | title=Report: Former 49ers cornerback Thomas fails Colts physical | website=NBC Sports Bay Area & California | date=2024-12-19 | url=https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/ambry-thomas-indianapolis-colts-failed-physical/1814360/?amp=1 | access-date=2024-12-26}}
=Minnesota Vikings=
On December 24, 2024, Thomas was signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad.{{cite web|title=Vikings Sign Ambry Thomas to Practice Squad, Announce Return to Practice for Ivan Pace, Jr.|url=https://www.vikings.com/news/ivan-pace-return-practice-ambry-thomas-practice-squad|author=Peters, Craig|website=Vikings.com|date=December 24, 2024}} He signed a reserve/future contract on January 16, 2025.{{cite web|title=Vikings Sign Dozen-Plus Players to Futures Contracts for 2025|url=https://www.vikings.com/news/2025-future-free-agent-signings|author=Peters, Craig|website=Vikings.com|date=January 16, 2025}}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2"| Legend |
| Bold
| Career high |
= Regular season =
| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;" | |||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="4"| Tackles ! colspan="3"| Fumbles ! colspan="4"| Interceptions | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Comb | Solo | Ast | Sack | FF | FR | Yds | INT | Yds | TD | PD | |
| 2021 | SF
| 12 || 5 || 23 || 17 || 6 || — || — || — || — || 1 || — || — || 5 | ||||||||||||
| 2022 | SF
| 15 || 0 || 13 || 9 || 4 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | SF
| 15 || 6 || 43 || 35 || 8 || — || 1 || 1 || 26 || 1 || 2 || — || 6 | ||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomAm00.htm Career] | 42 | 11 | 79 | 61 | 18 | — | 1 | 1 | 26 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 11 |
==Postseason==
| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="4"| Tackles ! colspan="3"| Fumbles ! colspan="4"| Interceptions | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Comb | Solo | Ast | Sack | FF | FR | Yds | INT | Yds | TD | PD |
| 2021 | SF
| 2 || 2 || 16 || 13 || 3 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || 1 | |||||||||||
| 2022 | SF
| colspan="13" | Did not play due to injury | |||||||||||
| 2023 | SF
| 3 || 2 || 11 || 8 || 3 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | |||||||||||
| colspan="2"|[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomAm00/gamelog/post/ Career] | 2 | 2 | 16 | 13 | 3 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || 1 |
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons}}
{{footballstats|yahoo=33490|espn=4258209|nfl=ambry-thomas}}
- [https://www.vikings.com/team/players-roster/ambry-thomas/ Minnesota Vikings bio]
- [https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/ambry-thomas/19082 Michigan Wolverines bio]
{{49ers2021DraftPicks}}
{{Minnesota Vikings roster navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Thomas, Ambry}}
Category:Players of American football from Detroit
Category:American football cornerbacks
Category:Michigan Wolverines football players