Lavale Thomas
{{Short description|American football player (born 1963)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Lavale Thomas
| number = 45
| position = Running back
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1963|12|12}}
| birth_place = Los Angeles, California, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 0
| weight_lb = 205
| high_school = Tulare Western (CA)
| college = Fresno State (1982–1985)
| undraftedyear = 1986
| pastteams =
- Kansas City Chiefs ({{NFL Year|1986}})*
- Green Bay Packers ({{NFL Year|1987|1989}})
| statlabel1 = Rushing yards
| statvalue1 = 19
| statlabel2 = Rushing average
| statvalue2 = 3.8
| statlabel3 = Receptions
| statvalue3 = 2
| statlabel4 = Receiving yards
| statvalue4 = 52
| statlabel5 = Touchdowns
| statvalue5 = 1
| pfr = ThomLa20
}}
Lavale Alvin Thomas (born December 12, 1963) is a former American football running back. He played college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs and later had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers. He appeared in two National Football League (NFL) games, both for the Packers, with one being as a replacement player during the 1987 NFL strike and the other being in the 1988 season.
Early life
Thomas was born on December 12, 1963, in Los Angeles, California.{{Cite web|url = https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomLa20.htm|title = Lavale Thomas Stats|website = Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date = March 28, 2018|archive-date = January 1, 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180101182831/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomLa20.htm|url-status = live}} He was a second cousin of Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers player Jewerl Thomas.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133353204/|newspaper=Tulare Advance-Register|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 31, 1981|page=7|title=It's in the numbers for Lavale Thomas|author=Gagnon, Rob|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194112/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133353204/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He was a four-year letterman in high school; he first attended Jonesboro-Hodge High School in Jonesboro, Louisiana, playing one season in football as a center and helping them reach the state finals. Afterwards, he moved to Tulare, California, and attended Tulare Western High School; he was the first of two of their alumni to ever make it to the NFL.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/high_schools.cgi?id=93bd59a8|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=Tulare Western (Tulare, CA) Alumni Pro Stats|access-date=October 13, 2023|archive-date=January 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105165558/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/high_schools.cgi?id=93bd59a8|url-status=live}}
Thomas played both linebacker and running back as a sophomore at Tulare Western and was selected all-conference at the former. He then moved to fullback as a junior and was honorable mention all-conference.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133352973/|newspaper=Tulare Advance-Register|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 5, 1980|page=8|title=Homegrown|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194115/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133352973/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He returned to playing running back as a senior and was one of the top players at his position in the area, setting the all-time Tulare prep record with 1,479 rushing yards.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133353836/|newspaper=Tulare Advance-Register|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 21, 1981|page=6|title=Big second period boosts Mustangs over Redskins|author=Gagnon, Rob|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194115/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133353836/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He was first-team All-East Yosemite League (EYL) for his performance and played in the Tulare–Kings All-Star Game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133354024/|newspaper=Tulare Advance-Register|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 2, 1981|page=6|title=Seven make All-EYL first team|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194118/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133354024/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hanford-sentinel/133354120/|newspaper=The Hanford Sentinel|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 16, 1982|page=12|title=Turnovers turn tide for West Stars|author=Pulaski, Alex|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194121/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hanford-sentinel/133354120/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}
College career
Thomas was recruited by several major college football teams but choose to stay close to home and play for the Fresno State Bulldogs.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133354329/|newspaper=Tulare Advance-Register|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 19, 1985|page=16|title=Important football stats not recorded on paper|author=Breen, Steve|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194126/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133354329/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He lettered as a true freshman in 1982.{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/playert/thom11200.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=Lavale Thomas Stats|access-date=October 13, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194715/https://www.profootballarchives.com/playert/thom11200.html|url-status=live}} That season, he played 11 games and was one of the team's top backs. He ran for 264 yards and averaged 4.6 yards-per-carry with three rushing touchdowns despite being limited due to injury.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133354839/|newspaper=Tulare Advance-Register|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 2, 1982|page=4|title=No doubt about this Thomas – Lavale a force|author=Gagnon, Rob|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194659/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133354839/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/lavale-thomas-1.html|website=Sports Reference|title=Lavale Thomas College Stats|access-date=October 13, 2023|archive-date=January 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105170535/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/lavale-thomas-1.html|url-status=live}} He was again limited by injury in 1983, but still managed to be the Bulldogs' third-leading runner with 233 yards off 51 carries (a 4.6 average) and a touchdown as they went 6–5.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133355439/|newspaper=Tulare Advance-Register|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 25, 1983|page=6|title=Thomas completes sophomore season|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194641/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133355439/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}
Thomas was set to be Fresno State's leading rusher in 1984, compiling 190 rushing yards and two touchdowns in four games before suffering a season-ending injury. When he returned for his senior season in 1985, he had to play behind James Williams and Kelly Skipper; he ended the year with 356 rushing yards on 55 carries with a touchdown, averaging 6.5 yards-per-carry.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133355804/|newspaper=Tulare Advance-Register|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 17, 1985|page=6|title=No doubting this Thomas|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194630/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133355804/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He ended his collegiate career with 210 carries for 1,043 yards (a 5.0 average) with seven rushing touchdowns, additionally tallying 27 receptions for 272 yards and another score.
Professional career
After going unselected in the 1986 NFL draft, Thomas was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/transactionst/thom11200.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=Lavale Thomas NFL Transactions|access-date=October 13, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194638/https://www.profootballarchives.com/transactionst/thom11200.html|url-status=live}} He was released on August 18.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/133356067/|newspaper=The Fresno Bee|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 19, 1986|page=24|title=NFL Report|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194646/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/133356067/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} After spending the rest of the 1986 season out of football, he signed a contract with the Green Bay Packers on April 28, 1987.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133356149/|newspaper=Tulare Advance-Register|via=Newspapers.com|date=April 30, 1987|page=4|title=Packers sign Thomas; 5 RBI for Bates|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194647/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133356149/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He was released by the Packers on September 7, 1987.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/wausau-daily-herald/133356268/|newspaper=Wausau Daily Herald|via=Newspapers.com|agency=Associated Press|date=September 8, 1987|page=12|title=Transactions|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194647/https://www.newspapers.com/article/wausau-daily-herald/133356268/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He was brought back to the team later that month as a replacement player when the National Football League Players Association went on strike.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/baraboo-news-republic/133356476/|newspaper=Baraboo News Republic|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 26, 1987|page=10|agency=United Press International|title=Packers' B team is familiar with Green Bay|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017194644/https://www.newspapers.com/article/baraboo-news-republic/133356476/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He made his NFL debut against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4, recording five rushes for 19 yards and two receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomLa20/gamelog/|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=Lavale Thomas Career Game Log|access-date=October 13, 2023|archive-date=January 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105181110/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomLa20/gamelog/|url-status=live}} He appeared in no other strike games and was placed on injured reserve in mid-October.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-burlington-free-press/133356682/|newspaper=The Burlington Free Press|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 20, 1987|page=7|title=Football|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017200142/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-burlington-free-press/133356682/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} On August 22, 1988, he was placed on injured reserve again with a knee injury.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/stevens-point-journal/133356777/|newspaper=Stevens Point Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 23, 1988|page=10|title=Packers|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017200143/https://www.newspapers.com/article/stevens-point-journal/133356777/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Thomas was activated from injured reserve on December 16 and played in the team's Week 16 game against the Phoenix Cardinals, recording no statistics.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution/133356885/|newspaper=The Atlanta Constitution|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 17, 1988|page=104|title=Roll Call|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017200143/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution/133356885/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He was released on July 19, 1989, ending his professional career.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette/133356995/|newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette|via=Newspapers.com|date=July 20, 1989|page=27|title=Packers sign rookie Query|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017200144/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette/133356995/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}
Later life
Thomas later served as the CEO and president of the Sports Education Marketing program, a business designed to improve recruiting.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133357167/|newspaper=Tulare Advance-Register|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 12, 1993|page=6|title=Thomas trades pads for computer|author=Airoso, Kathy|access-date=October 15, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017200145/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulare-advance-register/133357167/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He became in 2012 one of many players to sue the NFL for concussion-related injuries.{{Cite web|url=https://dockets.justia.com/docket/georgia/gandce/1:2012cv01541/183051|publisher=Justia|title=Anderson v. National Football League et al|access-date=October 13, 2023|archive-date=April 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403233035/https://dockets.justia.com/docket/georgia/gandce/1:2012cv01541/183051|url-status=live}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Thomas, Lavale}}
Category:Players of American football from Los Angeles
Category:Kansas City Chiefs players
Category:Green Bay Packers players