The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1546417
34 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY NOAH FLEISCHMAN rake Thomas sat in his downtown San Jose hotel room, taking a break from preparing for the biggest game of his life, to reflect on the past three sea- sons. It was a moment he didn't think was possible when he arrived at NC State his fresh- man year, but seven years later, the line- backer was just days away from starting for the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. It was a winding road, one filled with overcoming NFL scouts who didn't think he was big enough to hold his own as an inside linebacker at 5-foot-11, 228 pounds, and battling injuries that he's gritted through. Thomas paused to re- flect on how he ended up in this mo- ment. The undrafted rookie free agent, who was clawing for any opportunity to stick with a team, found a place he could call home in Seattle. "It's all been a blessing every step of the way. Whether it was good or it was bad, I'm thankful for it. I've learned, and I've grown from my journey so far in the NFL," Thomas said with a grin, donning a black cap over his curly, dark-hued hair. "It's been awesome. Every step of the way has been a huge blessing." Later that week, Thomas found him- self holding the Lombardi Trophy after serving in a critical role in the middle of the Seahawks' defense. He posted a career-best 96 tackles, including 10 for BELIEVE IT Drake Thomas Overcame The Doubters To Become A Super Bowl Champion Thomas notched a career-high 96 tackles while helping the Seattle Seahawks win Super Bowl LX last season. PHOTO COURTESY SEATTLE SEAHAWKS " When players tell you who they are, believe them." Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald on Thomas' ascension last season D