Thomas Lott, Jay class of '75

Thomas Lott, class of '75, played in the same John Jay backfield as fullback Russell Tatum (longtime Jay coach) and future New York Giants leading rusher Billy Taylor. Thomas reluctantly moved from halfback to quarterback his junior year, but rushed for over 1,000 yards, and led Jay to a 9-1 season in 1973. As a senior, he became the best wishbone quarterback in the country and earned All-City and Parade Magazine All-American honors.

Thomas was the starting QB at OU in 1976, 1977, and 1978, earning All Big Eight honors his junior and senior years. Coach Barry Switzer calls Thomas "the greatest wishbone quarterback in Oklahoma history." Playing in the same backfield as running backs Billy Simms, Kenny King, and David Overstreet, OU tore up the competition. His senior year, Thomas led OU to an 11-1 record, including a 31-24 Orange Bowl victory over Nebraska in which he and Billy Simms each scored two touchdowns.

Many of us remember Thomas for his trademark and trendsetting bandana that he wore underneath his helmet. He was the first major college athlete ever to do this and years later it became the rage throughout the NCAA and NFL. Deion Sanders thanks you for the fashion statement, Thomas.

Thomas played for the St. Louis Cardinals in addition to playing in the CFL and the USFL. Currently, Thomas is a teacher and coach at Dallas Molina High School. He has three sons, including his namesake, Thomas Lott, who recently played running back for Rice University.

Thomas was inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Feb. 17, 2006 (joining Jay Sports Heroes Clarissa Davis, Demetria Sance, and Reuben Reina.)