Since 2001, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has showcased the nation’s premier high school football talent. The level of play in these games has demanded the absolute highest levels of mental, emotional and physical strengths for those participating. The expansive and continually growing list of prominent alumni featured in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl’s history stands as proof of this strength and the extraordinary level of competition. Some of the most notable All-American alumni include: 2007 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson, Mark Sanchez, 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, Andrew Luck, and Marcus Lattimore among many more.
Currently, there are more than 100 U.S. Army All-Americans playing in the NFL. During the 2011 NFL Draft, 28 U.S. Army All-Americans were selected, including five first round selections. An incredible total of 65 U.S. Army All-Americans have been selected in the past two NFL Drafts. More and more U.S. Army All-Americans enter the NFL each season as the Army All-American Bowl continues to produce some of the game’s brightest stars on its biggest stage.
2003 All-American bowl
Brookfield Central | WI
- Thomas was selected as a 2003 U.S. Army All-American, the same year he was named to the USA Today All-American team. Coming out of high school, Thomas was rated as the No. 4 offensive lineman in the country by the Prep Football Report.
College: University of Wisconsin
- Thomas earned the Outland Trophy (best interior lineman) and All-American honors in 2006. He registered 311 pancake blocks over the course of his college career.
NFL: Cleveland Browns, Selected in the 2007 NFL Draft, 1st
Round, 3rd Overall
- Now entering his fifth season, Thomas has already established himself as one of the game’s top left tackles. He has started all 64 games since entering the league, earning Pro Bowl honors each year and First-Team All-Pro recognition the past two seasons.
