Clevan Thomas

Clevan Nathaniel Thomas (born April 6, 1979) is a former American football cornerback.

Along with Kenny McEntyre, he is regarded as one of the top defensive backs in Arena Football history.

He spent ten of his seasons in the AFL with the SaberCats; over this span, he won four ArenaBowl championships and three Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) awards.

Clevan Thomas was born on April 6, 1979, in Miami, Florida.

He attended Miami High School, where he excelled as a football player (on both offense and defense); as a result of his stellar play, he was recruited by a number of the United States' top collegiate football programs (namely Clemson, Florida State, Florida, and Miami); he ultimately chose to play for the Florida State Seminoles (FSU).

In 1997, as a freshman, Thomas saw immediate action (appearing in eight games); in 1998, as a sophomore, he appeared in all 13 of Florida State's games.

In 1999, as a junior, Thomas emerged as a starter; he recorded 16 tackles and 3 interceptions for the Seminoles.

Thomas also started the Sugar Bowl for Florida State, recording five tackles; his efforts helped the Seminoles defeat Virginia Tech, 46–29, to win a National Championship.

The following year, the team again advanced to the National Championship Game; while Thomas was again a starter, Florida State lost to the Oklahoma Sooners by a score of 13–2.

This game marked the end of Thomas' collegiate career.

Thomas' AFL career slowed somewhat in the mid-2000s.

Despite his accomplishments at Florida State, Thomas was not selected in the 2001 NFL Draft.

As a result, he signed with the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League on December 18, 2001.

In 2002, as a rookie, Thomas emerged as an instant superstar.

He tallied 54 tackles (46 solo), 21 pass breakups, and six interceptions during the 14–game regular season; additionally, he returned 59 kicks for 1,353 yards and six touchdowns as San Jose's primary kick returner.

For his efforts, he was named the AFL Rookie of the Year (ROY) and AFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY).

He was also honored as a First Team All-Arena selection.

Thomas' efforts helped propel the SaberCats to a then-record 13–1 regular season finish.

The SaberCats would then win two playoff games to reach ArenaBowl XVI; there, they crushed the rival Arizona Rattlers in a 52–14 rout to capture the first championship in franchise history.

Thomas built upon his fantastic rookie campaign in 2003.

That year, he recorded 37.5 tackles (34 solo), 20 pass breakups, and 13 interceptions (three of which were returned for touchdowns) despite playing in only 14 of the team's 16 regular season games; he also returned 61 kicks for 1,253 yards and four touchdowns.

In light of this, Thomas was again named the AFL Defensive Player of the year; similarly, he was named a First Team All-Arena selection for the second consecutive year.

Thomas' SaberCats again marched deep into the playoffs, but lost 62–49 to the Rattlers in the semi-finals.

In 2004, he missed all but three games on account of injuries; as such, he recorded only 18 tackles (14 solo) and 1 interception (which he returned for a touchdown).

Despite this setback, Thomas collected his second championship (while on the injured reserve) when the SaberCats defeated the Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVIII.

In 2005, Thomas returned to action; while he played well (recording 49.5 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and 5 interceptions in 13 games), he failed to replicate the dominance of his first two seasons.

The defending champion SaberCats reached the playoffs once again in 2005 (despite a pedestrian 9–7 regular season record); they were quickly ousted by the eventual champion Colorado Crush, 56–48, in the first round.

2006 marked a return to form for Thomas.

His 87 tackles (79 solo) shattered his previous high of 55 (46 solo); he also posted 10 pass breakups and 7 interceptions.

Thomas' steady play proved crucial for the SaberCats, who blundered their way to a 3–6 record through nine games; they would go on to win their final seven regular season games (and a playoff game) before narrowly losing to the Chicago Rush in the Conference Championship game.

Thomas' resurgent season netted him a Second Team All-Arena selection.

In 2007, Thomas turned in arguably his most complete performance (to that point in his career).

He contributed 78.5 tackles (69 solo), 20 pass breakups, and 9 interceptions (two of which were returned for touchdowns); his fantastic play helped the SaberCats to a 13–3 regular season finish.

After missing the SaberCats' opening playoff game (a 76–67 victory over the Colorado Crush), Thomas made a triumphant return; in the American Conference Championship Game, against the Chicago Rush, he intercepted two errant Matt D'Orazio passes.

The SaberCats' 61–49 victory, propelled them to ArenaBowl XXI, where they crushed the Columbus Destroyers by a score of 55–33; their victory gave Thomas his third AFL Championship in six years.

For his efforts, he was named a First Team All-Arena selection; he lost the Defensive Player of the Year Award to defensive end Greg White.

Thomas turned in a nearly identical performance in 2008 with 83 tackles (68 solo), 18 pass breakups, and nine interceptions (two of which were returned for touchdowns).

He was rewarded with a Second Team All-Arena selection (his fifth career selection) at the end of the regular season.

His dominance helped the SaberCats reach the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season; they ultimately advanced to ArenaBowl XXII, which they lost (59–56) to the Philadelphia Soul.

In 2012, Thomas was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame.