Crowley native Orlando Thomas remembered
67° Lafayette ›22 minutes 3 seconds ago by Akeam Ashford
Crowley native, former Ragin' Cajun standout and Minnesota Vikings defensive back Orlando Thomas is being remembered today, after losing his battle with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Thomas played for the Crowley High Gents, where he led the team to the 3A state championship in 1989. He went on to then-USL where he earned All-American status and led the Cajuns to back-to-back Big West championships in 1993 and 1994. Thomas is one of only seven Cajuns to have their jersey retired.
Thomas was drafted in the second round by the Minnesota Vikings in 1995. He led the nation in interceptions in the mid-1990's and was named an NFL All-Pro. Thomas retired from professional play in 2001.
'Bless his heart, yeah I'm going to miss a bunch. He was just a special person in my life, like my son. I loved him just like I do my boys,' said Lewis Cook Jr., Thomas' high school and USL football coach.
A mere 98 pounds soaking wet when the two first met in the late 1980's, Cook said Thomas always dreamt of playing in the NFL.
Thomas' father died while he was still in high school. At that point, Cook said he vowed to do whatever he could to help make his dream come true.
'He knew what he wanted, and he would go for it,' said Cook. 'When he had his mind made up, he would find out what it takes to get there, and he would drive himself to it.'
From the very start of his football career, Cook said the number 42 was significant in Thomas' life.
He was the 42nd player drafted and he wore the number 42 in the NFL.
And at the end, Cook said Thomas fought until his 42nd birthday.
'With the will he had, it was no wonder he fought,' said Cook. 'He was probably thinking of old coach and said 'When I turn 42, that's long enough,' because that was a special number to him.'
In his office, Cook has an old VHS tape of Crowley's 1989 state championship game. A reminder of Thomas' hard work and determination.
'I think he willed us to the championship. He was such a determined type player, a vocal leader. Even if he never said a word, he inspired everybody to play better,' said Cook.
Cook stood there holding a trophy Thomas gave him years earlier engraved with the words that he said defined their relationship.
'It says coach of a lifetime, Lewis Cook. Thanks for your support, love, honesty, and friendship.'
KATC spoke with Thomas' mother today. She said the family is still in the process of making funeral arrangements.
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