J. T. Thomas (defensive back)
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| Position | Defensive back | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born | April 22, 1951 Macon, Georgia, U.S. | ||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||
| Listed weight | 196 lb (89 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| College | Florida State | ||||||||
| NFL draft | 1973: 1st round, 24th overall pick | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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James "J. T." Thomas Jr. (born April 22, 1951) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 24th overall pick of the 1973 NFL draft. He was the first African-American football player to play football and graduate from Florida State University. Thomas played for the Steelers between 1973 and 1981, and was a member of the legendary dynasty Steel Curtain defense that won four Super Bowls in the 70s. Thomas played for the Denver Broncos in 1982.