The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Thomas to make school-record sixth Pro Bowl appearance
01.24.2018 | Football
Earl Thomas will make his sixth Pro Bowl appearance on Sunday in Orlando.
Legendary Longhorn safety Earl Thomas was selected to play in his sixth Pro Bowl, which breaks The University of Texas school record of five, previously held by Thomas, Earl Campbell, Casey Hampton, Bobby Layne, Bud McFadin and Tommy Nobis.
Most Pro Bowl Appearances in UT history
6: Earl Thomas
5: Earl Campbell, Casey Hampton, Bobby Layne, Bud McFadin, Tommy Nobis
4: Bobby Dillon, Doug English, Jerry Gray, Brian Orakpo, George Sauer, Harley Sewell, Jamaal Charles, Derrick Johnson
Thomas' appearance in 2018 marks the 17th straight season that a Longhorn has been selected for the game, the longest streak in school history. Twice previously (1952-60; 1967-75) there have been nine-year stretches in which a Longhorn has appeared. Since 1952, there have only been 11 years in which a former Longhorn was not selected to the Pro Bowl, the last such occurrence being 2001.
In his eighth season in the NFL, the 28-year old Thomas played in and started 14 games for the Seahawks in 2017. He totaled 88 tackles on the season with two interceptions, including one that he returned for a touchdown. He had six pass breakups and a forced fumble. The six-time Pro Bowler now has 25 career interceptions and 11 forced fumbles in eight years.
Thomas returns to the Pro Bowl after being selected for five straight from 2012-16. In 2016, he was on pace for another selection before a season-ending injury. He did not play in the 2014 or 2015 games, as the Seahawks participated in the Super Bowl in each of those seasons.
The 2018 Pro Bowl will kickoff at 2 p.m. CT on Sunday, Jan. 28 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. The game will be televised by ESPN.
