Emmitt Thomas, a name synonymous with excellence in American football, began his illustrious career as an undrafted free agent. Born on June 3, 1943, in Angleton, Texas, Thomas attended Bishop College, where he honed his skills as a defensive back. Despite not being selected in the NFL Draft, he caught the attention of the Kansas City Chiefs, who signed him in 1966. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in professional football.

Thomas quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Chiefs' defense. Over the course of his 13-year playing career, he became one of the most reliable and skilled cornerbacks in the league. His tenure with the Chiefs was marked by numerous achievements, including five Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors. Thomas's ability to read the game and anticipate plays made him a formidable opponent for any wide receiver.

One of the highlights of Thomas's playing career came in Super Bowl IV, where the Kansas City Chiefs faced the Minnesota Vikings. His performance was instrumental in securing a victory for the Chiefs, as they won 23-7. This triumph remains a significant moment in the franchise's history, with Thomas playing a crucial role in their success.

Throughout his career, Thomas amassed an impressive 58 interceptions, which he returned for a total of 937 yards and five touchdowns. These statistics place him among the top interceptors in NFL history. His knack for making game-changing plays earned him a reputation as one of the best defensive backs of his era.

After retiring as a player in 1978, Thomas transitioned to coaching, where he continued to influence the game. He began his coaching career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1979, serving as a defensive backs coach. Over the years, Thomas brought his expertise to several teams, including the Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons.

Thomas's coaching career was marked by his ability to develop and mentor young talent. His experience as a player provided him with unique insights into the game, which he imparted to the players he coached. In 2008, he was named the interim head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, further showcasing his leadership abilities.

In recognition of his outstanding career, both as a player and a coach, Emmitt Thomas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. This honor solidified his legacy as one of the greats in the history of the sport. His journey from an undrafted player to a Hall of Famer serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.

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