Ralph Thomas

1951 USF Dons Football Team:
Undefeated, Untied & Uninvited

Ralph was a member of the 1951 USF Dons Football Team who went undefeated that season and would go on to produce 4 NFL Hall of Famers, 5 Pro Bowlers, 8 NFL players, and the first African American NFL Official.  Yet, despite all the success, they were shut out of Bowl invitations (and with no invitation, they lost the opportunity to keep their program alive) when they refused to leave their 2 African American players at home.   The men stood their ground, refused the bid, lost their program but kept their dignity and honor.  Half a Centurey later, they have been recognized for their stand and honored for the integrity they brought to the Game, their University and to themselves.

NFL Career:
For The Love Of The Game

On of the toughest football players per pound in his time, Ralph's toughness belied his 5'11" 175 frame.  He played for the Chicago Cardinals (1952) and Washington Redskins (1955-56).  As was custom of football players in his time, he was a starting offensive end and played on special teams and back-up defense ... all for the princely sum of $500/game (regular season only and paid on a Monday only if he made it to each Sunday)  He truly played For the Love of the Game.

Rare video footage from 1955 Redskins v. Eagles Game.  Ralph sets the unofficial record for fastest consecutive TD at 0:02.7 seconds (Landing on a loose ball on a kickoff following a Redskin touchdown)