Pat Thomas, one of Plano ISD’s most legendary athletes, officially took his place among the greats. The former Plano Senior High School star was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025 during a ceremony held in Waco on May 10, 2025.
Thomas made his mark in 1971 as a standout defensive back, helping lead the Wildcats to a thrilling 21-20 victory over Gregory-Portland in the Class 3A State Championship. It was a season — and a title — that cemented his name in Texas sports history.
Three-Time All-District, One-Time Champion
During his time at Plano Senior High, Thomas earned All-District honors three times and was named to the All-State Team as a senior. That 1971 championship win wasn’t just the capstone to his high school career; it was one of the most memorable finishes in Texas high school football lore.
His former coach, Tom Kimbrough, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023, joined Thomas at the Waco ceremony.
“I am so proud of Pat, not only as a player, but as the person he turned into,” Kimbrough said in an official statement. “He was a lot of fun to coach and a big part of the history and winning tradition at Plano Senior High School.”
From Aggie All-American to NFL Standout
After high school, Thomas continued his football career at Texas A&M, where he was twice named a consensus All-American in 1974 and 1975. Known for his speed and instincts, he quickly earned a reputation as one of the top defensive backs in the nation.
He was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1976 NFL Draft. Over six seasons in the NFL, Thomas recorded 26 interceptions and seven fumble recoveries. He was named Second-Team All-Pro in 1978, First-Team All-Pro in 1980 and made the Pro Bowl both of those years.
A Plano Name Among Texas Football Royalty
Thomas was one of nine individuals honored in this year’s class, which included several football icons: Patrick Mahomes II (Whitehouse High School), Robert Griffin III (Copperas Cove), Gary Keithley (Alvin), Brad Goebel (Cuero), John C. Norman (Midland Lee), David Smoak and legendary coaches Jeff Traylor (Gilmer) and Curtis Barbay (Newton).
While some inductees are household names, Thomas’s path from a local Plano hero to a college and NFL standout epitomizes the grit and passion that define Texas school football.
In a state where Friday night lights burn brighter than most, his legacy reminds fans and players alike that greatness often begins on the high school gridiron — and sometimes, in a town like Plano.
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