The Chicago Bears agreed to a one-year contract yesterday with free agent wide receiver Devin Thomas. Thomas is coming off last years Super Bowl run with the New York Giants. Foxsports.coms Alex Marvez and myself caught up with Devin Thomas last night on SiriusXM NFL radios Late Hits to discuss joining the Chicago Bears and his assessment of his NFL career thus far.
Chicago is a team with great tradition and history, Thomas said. They have been a team I always admired growing upI understand that they are a hard-nosed team, and thats the type of player I am. I feel very blessed to be going to the Chicago Bears.
This will be Devins fifth NFL season since being selected in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft by the Washington Redskins. Thomas acknowledged his pro career has been underwhelming so far but stated, I finally learned how to be a professional in New York. It allowed me to understand and really know how to maintain myself and play this game in a winning program.
Thomas has a history of consistent special teams play since college while playing for Michigan State. Thomas has continued his special teams production in the pros, averaging 24 yards per kick return and recovering the key muffed punt in New York's NFC Championship game victory last year against San Francisco. Thomas is confident about playing special teams for the Bears, stating, Im an athlete, however they want to use me, Im ready to do it. Im not shying away from anything.
As for the Bears' renewed focus to run the football under new offensive coordinator Mike Tice, Thomas commented you gotta earn your keep. Blocking for your running backs, you gotta bring your hard hat.
Thomas jumped at the opportunity to sign with the Bears because Chicago was gung-ho to sign me and ready to make a move.
Coming off a Super Bowl victory where he celebrated in tears with his son, Thomas agreed with my assessment that he is a dangerous player right now in his career. Thomas stated, Ive had to bite down and dig deep. Im ready to make my mark.