During the long and illustrious history of Middle Tennessee State football, there have been lots of guys that could play the game. But in reality, there have been few that were in the same category as former Blue Raider Don Thomas.

  A four-year starter at linebacker between 1985 and 1988, Don Thomas truly defined Monster of the Midway. Bone-crushing tackles, interceptions, and lots of wins highlighted what is now recognized as a hall-of-fame career at MTSU. Inducted this past week as an immortal Blue Raider, the  Lincoln County native offered up a humble summarization of his statistical achievements.

  “I am very proud to represent all my teammates because they are the reason I am receiving this honor”, says Thomas. “I’m not really sure how I got all those interceptions but it just happened and on the tackles, I was just good at falling on top of the pile.”

  Still a part of the game, Thomas is involved with the Giles County high school program as an administrator. Previously he enjoyed success as the head football coach at LaVergne (2002-2007) and his alma mater Lincoln County. Giving back to the game he loves has been another accolade for the hard-hitting Thomas.

  “Being able to coach young people and help them achieve things on and off the football field has been very rewarding for me”, says Thomas. “These are things I learned from my mentors as I came up and I take great pride in giving back to the game.”

  Named as First Team All-American in 1988, Thomas also earned Ohio Valley Defensive Player of the Year honors that same season. Upon graduation, Thomas was also in the top five in interceptions and tackles as a Blue Raider.