Orlando Thomas will be the “Honorary Game Captain” when Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns take on North Carolina A&T during the 6th annual Herbert Heymann Classic on Saturday.
The game is the first homegame of the football season and kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
Thomas played as safety for the Ragin' Cajuns from 1991 to 1994. He was an All-American performer who led the nation in INTs during his junior season in 1993. He was selected as a second team All-American by UPI and a third team selection by the Associated Press.
He finished second on the Ragin' Cajuns all-time career tackle list with 347 stops and ranks first among all Ragin' Cajuns defensive backs. His 18-career interceptions rank third in school history. Thomas was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft. He spent seven seasons with the Vikings before retiring following the 2001 season.
Since returning to his Acadiana home, Thomas has been a successful assistant coach and mentor for the gridiron members of Comeaux High School.