| DT Thomas was a perfect fit for Panthers |
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| Written by Steve Reed |
| Monday, October 12, 2009 1:17 pm |
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CHARLOTTE – Everything happens for a reason. Thomas was a big part of that. But as much as Thomas brings to the Panthers on the field with his 340-pound body and his 15 years of NFL experience, he might even be more valuable to them in the locker room. Thomas, who describes himself as “a happy-go-lucky fat kid,” is one of those rare upbeat people who livens up a room just with his mere presence. Thomas has provided some perspective to a Panthers team facing the prospect of a 0-4 start and virtual playoff elimination. In short, he helped lighten things up. “I always thought when you are playing a game you’re supposed to have fun and enjoy what you’re doing,” said Thomas. “Sometimes when you play a game you lose. But you can’t be a sore loser. “You have to pick up the pieces and see the mistakes you made that put you in the predicament that made you lose. Sometimes you can have fun with looking at mistakes and stuff and making light of stuff. You might have gotten dumped on on a play or rolled up on. But hey, it’s not going to be the first time -- and it won’t be last either.” Thomas’ fun-loving approach has already rubbed off on his teammates, who have welcomed him with open arms. “He just brings that vive to the team of chemistry that we needed as far as having fun,” defensive end Everette Brown. “We have an opportunity to do something that we love every Sunday, something that all grew up with that dream of playing in the NFL. You can lose that with the business side of things and start taking everything so seriously. He reminds you that you’re here to go out and have fun and that’s what he brings to the team.” Thomas played more than 35 snaps on Sunday for the Panthers, which is significantly more action than he’d seen with the St. Louis Rams in the first three games of the season. “He's a big body,” coach John Fox said. “Every once in a while, you get double-teamed in there and I think that size is a real advantage. We call it the "600-pound block," and that's what you're getting -- two 300-pound (offensive) linemen coming off on you. He's got the experience, technique and size to do it. It helped quite a bit.” “I just went out there and played,” Thomas said, shaking it off like it was no big deal. “I did what the coaches asked me to do and let the chips fall where they may. I don’t know about the feel or anything. I just try to play within the framework of the defense and give my team a chance to win.” In many ways Thomas has been a perfect fit for the Panthers. “It’s funny because I was talking to them a year ago to the date about coming here and nobody knew that this was going to come about,” Thomas said. “Nobody knew all of the big guys would get hurt and the Rams were going to release me. Everything happens for a reason.” And thankfully for the Panthers it happened at just the right time. |