Former New York Giants tight end Aaron Thomas, who was one of the most prolific pass-catching tight ends in the team’s history, passed away this week following a lengthy illness at the age of 86.
Throughout his career with the Giants from 1962 to 1970, Thomas etched himself into the franchise’s history, leaving records such as 254 receptions, which earned him the 17th spot on the team’s all-time receptions list, 4,253 yards, whichremains the 14th most career yards for the Giants, and 6th on the franchise touchdown catches list with 35 touchdowns.
Thomas was not only a difference maker on the field but also known for his toughness, having missed only seven games throughout his entire career due to injury.
Aaron was selected in the fourth round of the NFL draft in 1961 and was traded to the New York Giants just two games into the 1962 season. Just a few years later, Thomas became the team’s leading receiver and was selected to the Pro Bowl.
It was announced today that former New Your Giants tight end Aaron Thomas passed away last week. He was 86.
— Jim Miloch (@podoffame) May 3, 2024
When Thomas retired in 1970, he ranked among tight ends in NFL history:
4th in Career Catches (247)
4th in Career Receiving Yards (4,253)
4th in Career TD Catches (35)… pic.twitter.com/UOMO7t5d4m
After his time in the National Football League, Thomas retired and became a stockbroker in Los Angeles, California, until he and his father bought a restaurant, bar, and bowling alley. Later in life, Aaron moved to Oregon, where he worked as the head football coach at Klamath Falls High School for three years in the 1980s.
Robb Thomas, Aaron’s son, who played in the NFL for a decade, released a statement about his father’s career on the New York Giants website.
“He’s almost like the early version of (Kansas City Chiefs tight end) Travis Kelce,”
“He was a tight end and flanker, but he really ran good routes and had a good feel about getting into open space.”
Ap NEws
