Drake Thomas

Drake Thomas (born February 25, 2000) is an American football linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack and has also been a member of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Early years
Thomas was born on February 25, 2000, and grew up in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He attended Heritage High School and played as a linebacker and running back, setting the school's record for career tackles with 393 while also having 203 solo stops. Ranked by 247Sports as the 22nd-best player in the state and the 19th-best inside linebacker nationally, Thomas committed to play college football for the NC State Wolfpack.

College career
As a true freshman at NC State in 2019, Thomas appeared in 12 games, three as a starter, and totaled 34 tackles and one interception. The following season, he started 10 games and had 58 total tackles, ranking 30th in the conference in tackles-per-game and placing fifth on the team. He led the Wolfpack in tackles in 2021 while starting 12 games, earning first-team all-conference and fourth-team All-American honors with 100 total tackles, six sacks and three interceptions. As a senior in 2022, Thomas was named a team captain and second-team all-conference while compiling 101 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He finished his collegiate career with 293 tackles, four interceptions and 19.5 sacks in 47 games played.

Las Vegas Raiders
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL draft, Thomas was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on August 29, 2023.

Seattle Seahawks
On August 30, 2023, Thomas was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Seahawks. He was placed on injured reserve on November 6.

On July 18, 2024, Thomas was placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

Personal life
Thomas is the younger brother of current NFL wide receiver Thayer Thomas and played with him at NC State.