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Seahawks coach Pete Carroll announced last week that safety Earl Thomas would be the team’s primary punt returner as it began its title defense.
Thomas, who played a key role in last year’s title run, hasn’t gotten off to a great start.
Thomas muffed a punt late in the first quarter of Thursday night’s season opener against the Packers, and Green Bay capitalized, scoring on a 1-yard John Kuhn touchdown run on the ensuing drive.
Here’s what you need to know about Thomas:
1. He’s the Highest Paid Safety in the NFL
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In April, the Seahawks inked Thomas to a 4-year, $40 million contract that made him the highest paid safety in the league. According to NFL.com, the deal contains $27.7 million in guaranteed money.
Here’s how NFL.com described the deal:
The pact includes a $9.5 million signing bonus, according to a source involved. In all, the deal will make Thomas easily the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
2. He’s Played in Every Game Since His Rookie Year
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The Seahawks drafted Thomas in 2010, and he’s played in all 16 games in each of his first four seasons with the club, steadily increasing his production.
In 2013, he made a career-high 78 tackles and had a career-best 2 forced fumbles.
3. He Played at Texas
Thomas attended the University of Texas and was on the Longhorns’ roster for three seasons, including one as a redshirt.
He left the school to enter the NFL draft after his sophomore season in 2009.
4. He Was a Star Running Back in High School
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Thomas rushed for more than 1,000 yards in his senior year of high school and was recruited as both a running back and a defensive back. Rivals.com rated him a four-star recruit.
5. He Got Slimed During the Nickelodian Kids Choice Awards
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