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Skip Thomas
Skip Thomas c. 1972
No. 26
PositionCornerback
Personal information
Born(1950-02-07)February 7, 1950
Higginsville, Missouri, U.S.
DiedJuly 24, 2011(2011-07-24) (aged 61)
Kansas, U.S.
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight205 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High schoolKansas City (KS) Wyandotte
College
NFL draft1972: 7th round, 176th overall pick
Career history
Awards and highlights
Career NFL statistics
Interceptions17
INT yards222
Touchdowns1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Alonzo "Skip" Thomas III (February 7, 1950 – July 24, 2011), nicknamed "Dr. Death", was an American professional football cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL). Thomas played college football at Arizona Western Junior College before transferring to the University of Southern California. After college, he spent six seasons with the Oakland Raiders before retiring from football.

Thomas was a part of the Raiders' Super Bowl XI winning team, and a notable figure in the "Soul Patrol" defensive secondary of the 1970s. Alongside cornerback Jack Tatum and safeties Willie Brown and George Atkinson, the quartet were known for their physicality. Thomas' harsh style on the field is well documented, though he is remembered as the most subdued of the four.

Early life

[edit]

Alonzo "Skip" Thomas III[1] was born on February 7, 1950 in Higginsville, Missouri.[2] He was given the nickname "Skip" by his grandfather, Alonzo Thomas Sr., to avoid confusion. He attended Wyandotte High School where he was a star football and basketball player.[1] He was a highly lauded guard in basketball winning several local honors and a state championship with his team during his senior year.[3] He graduated high school in 1968.[1]

College career

[edit]

Thomas first played football at Arizona Western Junior College, where he played with another Raider's draft pick from the same year, Phil Price.[4] After earning All American Junior College Honors,[1] Thomas played college football at the University of Southern California where he was a defensive back and a punt returner.[5] Thomas originally intended to transfer to Kansas State University, but did not pursue the opportunity due to apparent miscommunications.[1]

Southern California allowed Thomas to play both basketball and football, a driving reason for why Thomas chose USC over other offers.[1] While playing both sports he also competed in decathlons.[6] He primarily focused on playing basketball until an ankle injury sidelined him during his junior year. His senior year he focused on playing football and posted 58 tackles, 10 pass deflections and 5 interceptions.[1]

Professional career

[edit]

Thomas was selected by the Oakland Raiders with the 176th overall pick in the 1972 NFL draft.[7] He went on to play for the Oakland Raiders for the entire duration of his professional football career between 1972 and 1977 as a member of the Raiders' infamous "Soul Patrol" secondary, known for their physicality and harsh play-style.[8][9]

Before the draft, Raiders safety George Atkinson worked out with Thomas, where Thomas reportedly saw great skill from the defender.[9] Head coach John Madden chose to draft him based on his determination, size, and ability.[10] An early talent during the preseason, he was referred to as the Raiders' best all around athlete, standing at 6 foot two inches and 206 pounds.[11] Thomas recurringly played during the preseason to modest success,[12] even replacing future Hall of Famer Willie Brown during a game against the Dallas Cowboys.[13]

Skip Thomas, tackling Larry Marshall in a November 1972 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

1972–73 seasons

[edit]

During his rookie season, Thomas primarily played on special teams while serving as a backup to Atkinson and fellow cornerback Nemiah Wilson.[1] Thomas became part of a growing number of young Raiders players who were supplanting several of the veterans of the team.[14] In a 45-17 win against the Los Angeles Rams during week 7, Thomas forced a fumble on the opening kickoff.[15][16]

Thomas saw more regular play during his sophomore 1973 season. Thomas began subbing in for Nemiah Wilson during preseason practices while the latter worked on contract negotiations.[17] While it was clear Wilson would replace Thomas when he returned, John Madden planned on incorporating Thomas as a versitile piece of the defense,[18] a fifth defensive position that Madden referred to as the "pirate."[19] The Raiders also experimented with having Thomas play at the running back position during the off season.[6] Thomas hauled in two interceptions across the 1973 season. The first came off of a pass deflected by Willie Brown during a game against the Baltimore Colts,[20] while the second was a game-winning interception to end the Raiders' final game of the season against the Denver Broncos.[21]

1974–75 seasons

[edit]

Thomas broke a National Football League Players Association strike to practice with the Raiders during the 1974 preseason.[22] The season marked the closest Thomas had gotten to replacing Nemiah Wilson as the starting cornerback for the Raiders. Early reports showed that the debate was going in Thomas' favor, with Thomas starting during preseason games.[23][24] The rivalry was complicated by the pair's friendship. Thomas refrained from speaking on the situation for fear of hurting himself or others with his statements. Both players reported being uninformed on what the Raiders management and staff's decision would be,[25] though it was clear Thomas would start in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills since Wilson was suffering from a sprained ankle.[26][27] He went on to start in every game of the 1974 season, a first in his career.[28] Wilson was left upset at the Raiders organization over this and their previous contract disputes,[29] leading to his trade to the Chicago Bears for an undisclosed draft pick in April of 1975.[30]

Fellow Raiders player Jimmy Warren described the 1974 season as Thomas's "super year".[31] He wrestled a ball out of the hands of receiver Danny Abramowicz and into the hands of Raiders defender Dan Conners for an interception in an October game against the San Francisco 49ers.[32] In a November game that season against the San Diego Chargers, Thomas batted away a last-minute pass from Dan Fouts to win the game, all while suffering from a neck injury.[33] He'd have six interceptions on the season,[34] with two of his interceptions coming from a September game against the Kansas City Chiefs.[35] He had his first interception returned for a touchdown on December 1, 1974 in a game against the New England Patriots. Thomas had intercepted Jim Plunkett at the top of the fourth quarter, running 22 yards into the endzone.[36]

Thomas followed this performance up with another six-interception season in 1975.[34] He had another two interception game in a 6-0 win against the Chargers in October.[37] In the last seconds of a December game against the Houston Oilers, Thomas intercepted quarterback Dan Pastorini in the endzone. This would have been the game-winning play had it not been called back after Phil Villapiano received a holding penalty. The Oilers went on to score and win 27-26 against the Raiders.[38] Villapiano called it "the worst call I've had against me in five years of pro ball".[39] The Raiders made it to the playoffs for the first time in Thomas' career that season. While the Raiders beat the Cincinnati Bengals in their first playoff game,[40] they would lose the AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and miss out on Super Bowl X.[41]

1976–77 seasons

[edit]

The Raiders would go on to win Super Bowl XI the following season in 1976. Thomas played an important role in the Raiders' success that season.[42] He had a game winning interception in an October match against the Green Bay Packers.[43] In the eventual playoff run, Thomas intercepted a Steve Grogan pass during their game against the New England Patriots.[44] The Raiders would go on to beat the Steelers in their AFC Championship rematch 24-7[45] before defeating the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. Thomas was called the standout from the secondary, keeping rookie receiver Sammy White at bay,[46] knocking his helmet off twice.[47]

The following 1977 season was mostly uneventful for Thomas, who started the season in rough condition. By week 6 he had been beaten four times on touchdown passes,[48] and gave up 178 passing yards against the New York Jets in one game.[49] He missed a late season game against the Buffalo Bills after a leg injury,[50] and was noticeably afflicted with several other injuries from that point forward.[51] He then moved to safety to cover for an injured George Atkinson in the last game of the season.[52] This position shift lasted through playoff games against the Baltimore Colts[53] and the Denver Broncos, to little success.[54]

Cut from the Raiders

[edit]

During a routine blood test during the 1978 preseason, Thomas' blood test results came back "abnormal."[55] It turned out to be a case of hepatitis, which lead to Thomas missing much of training camp.[56] This, coupled with rookie Lester Hayes' performance in the preseason, lead to Thomas being cut from the Raiders.[57] He was claimed off of waivers by the Buffalo Bills,[58] but failed his physical with the team and was not signed.[59]

Legacy

[edit]

Thomas was nicknamed "Doctor Death" throughout the majority of his professional career. He was a cornerback who Phil Villapiano called "the size of a linebacker". He would out-muscle most opponents, and throw them to the ground often.[9] It was said he would "hit anything that moves"[60] and insult people whether he liked or disliked them.[61] Though he was unpopular with other NFL players[62] and seen as a threat in the locker room,[63] Lynn Swann described him as the only Raiders defensive back who wouldn't take cheap shots.[64] Thomas' efforts on the Soul Patrol were understated, and he has not been as well remembered as the other members.[9]

The origin of the "Doctor Death" nickname is disputed. John Madden tells a story in his memoir Hey, Wait a Minute, I Wrote A Book! of Hall of Fame lineman Bob "Boomer" Brown first referring to Thomas as "Dr. Death" due to his appearance.[65] Sportswriter Peter Richmond asserts the story is apocryphal. Thomas himself states that the nickname came from his spontaneous nature.[9]

Thomas drove a white Chevrolet Corvette with his named inscribed on each side alongside his "Doctor Death" nickname.[31] He totaled his Corvette during the 1977 season, causing a bump on his head so large he couldn't wear his helmet for a week.[66]

Personal life

[edit]

After his NFL career, Thomas worked as a detention officer in his hometown of Wyandotte.[67] He also worked at one point as an exterminator.[2] He pawned off his Super Bowl ring in order to earn enough money to save his house from being sold, though the attempt was unsuccessful.[68] He also sold a trophy that he received from the city of Oakland.[69]

Thomas drove motorcycles throughout his career, with John Matuszak referring to him as a "Black Evel Knievel." At one point John Madden barred him from driving his motorcycles during practices as they were causing disruptions. He and George Atkinson recounted stories of Thomas driving his motorcycle to local hospitals after practice to make sure he was healthy enough for games on Sunday, and to play strip poker with the nurses.[9] After his retirement, he pursued his passion for cars and motorcycles, focusing on repairing his 1936 Ford and his father's cars.[67]

Thomas was married to Harriet Sims. The couple had one son, Brandon, alongside Thomas' five other children.[2] One of Thomas' children was born on the same day as his Super Bowl win.[70] Thomas died of a heart attack in Kansas on July 24, 2011, aged 61.[8][71] He was in poor health and had needed personal assistance in his later years. Following his death, tributes came out from rival Terry Bradshaw and fellow Soul Patrol teammate Willie Brown.[71]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Richardson, Bill (November 4, 1972). "Thomas Swaps Role For Home-Coming". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "Alonzo Thomas, III". Thatcher Funeral Home. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  3. ^ "1968 Championship Team". 20 and Counting Project. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  4. ^ "Raiders Got Rookies in Key Spots". Oakland Tribune. February 2, 1972. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
  5. ^ "Oakland Raiders Draftees". San Francisco Chronicle. February 2, 1972. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
  6. ^ a b Finch, Phil (March 5, 1973). "Raider Defender Now Runner". The San Francisco Examiner. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  7. ^ "Pro Football Draft Picks". Spokane Chronicle. February 2, 1972. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
  8. ^ a b Williamson, Bill (July 25, 2011). "Former Raider Skip Thomas dies". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 25, 2011.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Richmond, Peter (2010). Badasses: The Legend of Snake, Foo, Dr. Death, and John Madden's Oakland Raiders. New York: HarperCollins. pp. 194–199. ISBN 978-0-06-183430-1. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
  10. ^ "Raiders, Madden Keep Watch On Alonzo Thomas". Santa Cruz Sentinel. July 18, 1972. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  11. ^ Ross, George (July 7, 1972). "Raiders Find Rookie Defensive Gem". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  12. ^ "For Raider Rookie: Unitas Next Challenge". The Press Democrat. August 11, 1972. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  13. ^ O'Connor, Dick (September 12, 1972). "Oakland new faces". The Peninsula Time Tribune. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  14. ^ Finch, Phil (October 7, 1972). "Raiders' Accent On Youth". The San Francisco Examiner. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  15. ^ Bergman, Ron (October 30, 1972). "Gabriel: Not Good or Bad, But Awful". The Atlanta Journal. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  16. ^ Cassady, Steve (October 30, 1972). "28-Point First Period Powers Raiders Past LA". Merced Sun-Star. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  17. ^ Spander, Art (July 26, 1973). "Skip Thomas' Turn in 1973?". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  18. ^ Spander, Art (July 26, 1973). "Skip Thomas' Year?". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  19. ^ Hickey, Lowell (July 27, 1973). "Wilson has to fight Thomas for position". The Argus of Fremont, Newark and Union City. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  20. ^ "Raiders' early interception costly, says Schnellenberger". The Baltimore Sun. October 29, 1973. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  21. ^ Wirth, Ned (December 17, 1973). "Raiders Ride Herd On Broncos, 21-17". The Sacramento Union. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  22. ^ "Skip Thomas Joins Raiders". The Sacramento Union. Associated Press. August 6, 1974. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  23. ^ Soliday, Bill (August 22, 1974). "Lamonica around, but what's his number?". The Argus of Fremont, Newark and Union City. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  24. ^ LaMarre, Tom (August 16, 1974). "Lions Thrown To Raiders' Meat-Eaters". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  25. ^ LaMarre, Tom (September 15, 1974). "Which Raiders Start?". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  26. ^ "Basically, It's Power Led by Gene Upshaw". The Buffalo News. September 16, 1974. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  27. ^ O'Connor, Dick (September 16, 1974). "Raiders, Buffalo tonight". The Peninsula Times Tribune. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  28. ^ "Skip Thomas Stats". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  29. ^ Richardson, Ken (January 23, 1975). "Seeking middle linebacker?". The Argus of Fremont, Newark and Union City. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  30. ^ "Bears get Nemiah Wilson". The Journal Times. Associated Press. April 8, 1975. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  31. ^ a b Nobles, Charlie (December 21, 1974). "Dolphins no longer just men in motion". The Miami News. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  32. ^ "Danny Duped?". The Berkely Gazzette. October 28, 1974. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  33. ^ Wilson, Darrell (November 18, 1972). "Raiders' Day Almost Longer". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  34. ^ a b "SUPER BOWL MATCHUPS". The Spokesman-Review. January 19, 1977. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
  35. ^ "Stabler Regains Form, Sparks Raiders To Win". The Modesto Bee. September 23, 1974. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  36. ^ Soliday, Bill (December 2, 1974). "Scoring explosion: Raiders 41, Pats 26". The Argus of Fremont, Newark and Union City. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
  37. ^ "Ageless Blanda powers Raiders". Great Falls Tribune. October 6, 1975. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  38. ^ Soliday, Bill (December 15, 1975). "Raiders booted for a change". The Argus of Fremont, Newark and Union City. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  39. ^ Zeno, Charlie (December 16, 1975). "Villapiano upset". Contra Costa Times. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  40. ^ "Raiders Hold Off Bengals, ...Now Comes Pittsburgh". Florida Today. Associated Press. December 29, 1975. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  41. ^ "Big One Eludes Raiders Again". The Daily Times. Associated Press. January 5, 1976. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  42. ^ "Former Raiders cornerback Alonzo 'Skip' Thomas dies, 61". NFL.com. July 25, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  43. ^ Dickey, Glenn (October 25, 1976). "Raiders' Slapstick Win Over Pack". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  44. ^ Imelio, Carlo (December 19, 1976). "What A Way to Go!". The Morning Union. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  45. ^ "Raiders 24, Steelers 7". Casper Star-Tribune. December 27, 1976. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  46. ^ "Madden says his Raiders showed strength of AFC". The Baltimore Sun. January 10, 1977. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  47. ^ Grimsley, Will (January 10, 1977). "Raiders rowdies mugged aged". Daily Times-Advocate. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  48. ^ Newhouse, Dave (October 24, 1977). "Leaky Raiders Survive". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  49. ^ "Oakland vs. Denver". Oakland Tribune. October 27, 1977. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  50. ^ Felser, Larry (November 29, 1977). "It Could've Been Worse". The Buffalo News. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  51. ^ "The List". The Sacramento Bee. December 6, 1977. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  52. ^ Cooney, Frank (December 12, 1977). "Vikes stymied by fumbles, pass thefts". The San Francisco Examiner. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  53. ^ Gandy, Jerry (December 26, 1977). "Raiders' hopes depend on rookies". The Independent. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  54. ^ McDonough, Will (February 2, 1978). "Broncos KO Raiders". The Boston Globe. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  55. ^ Newhouse, Dave (July 24, 1978). "Thomas, Bankston not in camp, both ailing". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  56. ^ Newhouse, Dave (July 27, 1978). "Early-season injuries hit Raider camp". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  57. ^ Borges, Ron (August 27, 1998). "Hayes' play forced Raiders to cut Thomas". The Sacramento Union. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  58. ^ Jenkins, Bruce (August 26, 1978). "Raiders vs. Rams – Skip Thomas Cut". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  59. ^ Jenkins, Bruce (August 30, 1978). "Raiders Are a Mann Short". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  60. ^ "Rundown On The Raiders". The Pittsburgh Press. January 4, 1976. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  61. ^ Richardson, Ken (January 14, 1977). "Thomas talks". The Argus of Fremont, Newark and Union City. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  62. ^ O'Connor, Dick (December 19, 1974). "The 'real' bowl". The Peninsula Times Tribune. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  63. ^ Richardson, Ken (December 10, 1974). "Don't mess with Dr. Death". The Argus of Fremont, Newark and Union City. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  64. ^ "Rough stuff part of Raiders' plan". The Argus of Fremont, Newark and Union City. United Press International. September 15, 1976. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  65. ^ Madden, John; Anderson, Dave (1985). Hey, Wait a Minute, I Wrote a Book!. New York: Ballantine Books. p. 113. ISBN 0-345-32507-9. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
  66. ^ Cooney, Frank (October 27, 1977). "Crash hurt Raiders' defense". The San Francisco Examiner. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  67. ^ a b Dodd, Dennis (June 9, 1982). "Time changes the image of a defensive back". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  68. ^ Lowitt, Bruce (January 26, 2001). "Getting the ring can be easier than keeping it". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  69. ^ Babb, Kent (July 16, 2014). "When ex-pro athletes sell championship rings, this pawn shop keeps it secret". Washington Post. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  70. ^ Richman, Milton (January 14, 1977). "Cubs' Wrigley First to Take Action for Owners". Enterprise-Record. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  71. ^ a b "Former Raiders defensive back Alonzo 'Skip' Thomas dies at age 61". East Bay Times. July 25, 2011. Retrieved November 23, 2025.