He is a product of Klein High School inHouston, Texas. He is a former member ofthe best trio of receivers to grace the footballfield at the University of Texas. He is an athletethat spent time developing his talents in theNational Football League for three years.He is changing the face of The University ofTexas at San Antonio and positively impactingits athletic program. He is partnering withtwo former teammates to give back to thecommunity that gave so much to him. He isSloan Thomas.
After his football career with The Universityof Texas Longhorns, Thomas was drafted bythe Houston Texans in the seventh round ofthe 2004 NFL Draft. After three seasons in theNFL, Thomas said sayonara [bid farewell] to theNFL and went back to The University of Texasto complete his degree in human relations.He understood the importance of earning hisdegree and was happy for the opportunity toreturn to the campus where he had spent fouryears as a student–athlete.
“It was never a dream of mine to play in theNFL. All I wanted was to play Division I footballon Saturdays. By the grace of God I had theopportunity to play in the NFL so that’s what Idid,” Thomas acknowledged, “While playing inthe NFL, I always knew I needed to come backto get my degree, because unlike football, myeducation is one thing that cannot be takenfrom me.”
Thomas’ next move led him down to theAlamo City, just an hour down the road fromhis alma mater. He joined the UTSA AthleticsDepartment in an internship assisting withthe expansion and growth of the athleticsprogram, specifically the enhancement of thefootball program.
After completing his internship, Thomastook a permanent position as the associatedirector of development, and currently servesin this role for UT’s sister school.
In San Antonio, where the heart and soul offootball lies, the students, fans and residentsacross the city can’t help but to be excitedabout the coming of the new collegiate teamto UTSA. Thomas is thrilled about the additionof Larry Coker as head coach to the Roadrunnerteam, who will kick off its inaugural season inFall 2011.
As a member of the development team,Thomas’ enthusiasm is evident. “The studentsat UTSA and the city of San Antonio deserve abig time football program to watch during thefall,” he remarked, “Playing at the Alamodomewith inexpensive tickets will give everyoneacross the city a chance to come to a game.”
Not only is Thomas contributing to thewell–being of the development of the athletic,educational and fundraising programs atUTSA, he has reunited with two of his formerLonghorn teammates to develop a footballprogram for youth across the state of Texas.Thomas has teamed up with fellow UT alumB.J. Johnson and Michael Huff to host theTexas Premier Football Camps.
“There is nothing like getting together withall my old teammates. Although most of themare in other states across the country, whenwe get together it’s as if we never lost a beat.We are one big family and will always sticktogether. Coach [Mack] Brown treated us likefamily and it became contagious. All of us hadto lean on each other through, wins, losses,blood, sweat and tears,” explained Thomas.
The third annual camp will be held July 9 –10, 2009, in Austin, and will benefit The Boys &Girls Clubs of the Austin Area.
The campers will have the chance to learnthe fundamentals used at the next level andwill hear first–hand from NFL players andLonghorn legends about the importance ofdiscipline, hard work and respect.
Thomas, Johnson and Huff all made amonstrous impact in Darrell K Royal’s TexasMemorial Stadium. This camp gives youngathletes the opportunity to learn from thebest that graced Austin and the Longhornnation with their presence. Many other formerathletes and current and former NFL stars willbe in attendance to teach and interact withthe up–and–coming athletes.
“Our mission is to impact young lives andeducate youth in the school of football andlife,” Johnson emphasized. “We love to stressacademics first, because football is truly one ofthe few sports that you must pass your classbefore you catch a pass. It’s our duty to giveback to the community that gave us so muchwhen we were school. Austin has truly beengood to us.”
The Texas Premier Football Camps weekendwill also include the addition of a GolfTournament benefiting the Cole PittmanMemorial Fund. The tournament will beheld on Saturday, July 11. The trio of formerLonghorns looks forward to continuing toenhance and grow the program, as the plansare to hold the Texas Premier Football Campsin San Antonio in the summer of 2010.
Thomas’ impact on the football field isnowhere near being complete. He continuesto serve as a positive influence on the lives ofchildren across Texas and the nation, and nowhe is sharing some of his homegrown Texastalent with the city of San Antonio and theRoadrunner nation.
About the TPFC Hosts
In 49 career games (45 starts) at The Universityof Texas, Johnson made 152 receptions for 2,389yards with 16 touchdowns while adding 14rushes for 82 yards (5.9 avg). Currently, Johnsonand his father own a strategic marketing firmin Dallas. Johnson also owns a developmentcompany and has partnered with a friend tostart a clothing line. Thomas played in 46 games(20 starts) for The University of Texas and caught88 passes for 1,362 yards and 12 touchdowns.He currently works for The University of Texasat San Antonio in the Office of Development.As a Longhorn, Huff was selected to the 2005College Football All–America Team and won theJim Thorpe Award given to college football’s topdefensive back. Huff currently plays safety for theOakland Raiders and has been a regular in thestarting lineup in each of his first two seasons.
