Drake Thomas Is a Super Bowl Champion: From Undrafted to Lombardi Trophy

Former NC State All-ACC Linebacker Drake Thomas is a Super Bowl Champion. Thomas was instrumental in leading the Seahawks to a 29-13 win over the Patriots in Super Bowl 60 this evening, finishing the evening with 6 tackles, which ranked 3rd on Seattle’s defense.

Thomas was consistent this postseason, recording 6 tackles in all three playoff games, including tonight’s performance.

After beginning the season as a reserve, Thomas has started every game for Seattle since Week 4. He currently owns a 73.3 overall PFF grade on the season and has become a key piece of the Seahawks’ defense.

Thomas’ journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary.

After going undrafted in 2023, he signed with the Raiders but was waived before the season. Seattle claimed him the next day, where he spent his first two seasons primarily on special teams, logging just 42 defensive snaps across eight games.

This season, everything changed.

Thomas emerged as one of Seattle’s most consistent defenders, finishing the regular season with:

• 96 tackles
• 3.5 sacks
• 10 tackles for loss
• 6 quarterback hits
• 1 interception
• 1 fumble recovery

He ranked second on the team in total tackles and became a fixture in the Seahawks’ defensive rotation.

Thomas’ perseverance and grit is everything NC State represents, and tonight, he became the 17th former NC State player to win a Super Bowl!