Thayer Thomas

Thayer Rockne Thomas (born May 20, 1998) is an American football wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at NC State.

Early life
Thomas grew up in Wake Forest, North Carolina and attended Heritage High School. In his high school career, he racked in 74 receptions for 965 yards and 7 touchdowns. Thomas decided to walk on to North Carolina State.

College career
Thomas started as a walk-on for the Wolfpack redshirting the 2017 season. He earned a scholarship in 2018. Thomas would go on to play five years for the Wolfpack, recording 215 receptions for 2,484 yards, and 24 touchdowns. He also added 681 return yards and a return touchdown. He would also have a slight impact as a passer going 7 for 14 for 194 yards and four touchdowns. In 2020 he was named Third team All-Atlantic Coast Conference as a returner after returning 10 punts for 100 yards. His best season occurred during the 2021 season where he brought in 51 passes for 596 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also had a good season in 2022 in which he hauled in 57 receptions for 642 yards and 4 touchdowns.

During his time at NC State he set multiple records for the Wolfpack finishing 2nd all time in receptions, 2nd all time in receiving touchdowns, and 5th all time in receiving yards.

Professional career
After not being selected in the 2023 NFL draft, Thomas signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2023. He was waived on August 29, 2023, and signed to the practice squad the next day. Following the end of the 2023 regular season, the Vikings signed him to a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024.

Personal life
Thomas is the older brother of current NFL linebacker Drake Thomas.