Falcons coach Thomas elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Atlanta Falcons Assistant Head Coach Emmitt Thomas was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame today.

Thomas was a standout defensive back for 13 years with the Kansas City Chiefs (1966-78). He played in 181 NFL games, including Super Bowls I and IV, and was selected to play in five Pro Bowls. He won two Super Bowl rings as an assistant coach with the Washington Redskins in Super Bowls XXII and XXVI and one as a player with the Kansas Chiefs in Super Bowl IV.

Thomas finished his career with 58 interceptions -- including one in Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings -- which is the ninth-most ever in NFL history, and he led the NFL in interceptions twice in a single-season. He is a member of the Chiefs hall of fame and his name is etched on the walls at Arrowhead Stadium.

"Emmitt Thomas' selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame tops off what has been a spectacular career in the National Football League," Falcons Owner & CEO Arthur Blank said. "Emmitt epitomizes professionalism, and he had a spectacular 13-year playing career. The Atlanta Falcons congratulate Emmitt, his wife Jacqui and his entire family."

Last month, Thomas was promoted to the Falcons assistant head coach. Last season, he served as Atlanta's defensive backs coach, prior to being named interim head coach for the remaining three games of the 2007 campaign. He guided Atlanta to a 44-41 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the season finale, which earned Thomas his first NFL victory. Atlanta's 44 points were the most in a game for the Falcons since 1998.