Dontarrious Thomas Is Stepping Up

Dontarrious Thomas grew up in Perry, Georgia. He went to college at Auburn University in Alabama and was part of an incredible lineup of linebackers there. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings to make a difference and add speed to the position. He has done just that. He has had his ups and downs, but he is a playmaker in a very tough position…especially for a rookie.

When I got a shot to talk with Dontarrious (back in August), he was more than happy to answer a few questions in the Norsemen’s Blitz…

GR: Thanks for talking with me today Dontarrious. I will get right to it. We hear all the time from rookies that speed is what they have to get used to the most in the NFL. Besides speed, what has been the biggest adjustment for you?

DT: Gelling with the other defensive players and getting to know them and who they are and how they work at this. There is a lot thrown at you and you just have to get into the playbook and learn it all as fast and as well as possible.

GR: In college, you always hear about the rivalries. How about in the NFL and for the Vikings? What rivalries have you already been made aware of?

DT: Oh, you know from the outset that Green Bay is the biggest rivalry here. It is a big ordeal around here and around the community. Many fans have encouraged me, just since I have been here, that I have to hit Favre.

GR: Excellent. I totally agree. Who would you most like to get a good hit on?

DT: The Manning brothers because you hear so much about them and Brett Favre…of course.

GR: We have all heard and read about how fast this group of linebackers is. Who is the fastest?

DT: Everybody around here knows that that would be me. Playing linebacker is more than speed though. It’s about tackling and getting to the ball. It’s way more than just speed.

GR: OK, so who is the best tackler?

DT: Wow. I guess that would be E.J. Henderson and Chris Claiborne. Those guys can tackle.

GR: What has been your biggest moment so far?

DT: Being asked by the coaching staff to run with the ones. Mike Nattiel was out and I went in. I even made a catch. That whole thing was big for me.

GR: So, growing up, who was your favorite NFL team?

DT: The Raiders.

GR: So, what does it really feel like to be playing for the Vikings and in the NFL?

DT: Oh man. It’s great. I mean I went through all of this and here I am. It’s a great feeling.

GR: Use one word that you feel best describes you.

DT: Intense. Very intense.

GR: Thank you for your time Dontarrious.

DT: Yes sir. Thank you.

Dontarrious Thomas starts his NFL journey in 2004 with the Minnesota Vikings. He is already making a name for himself and for that group of young linebackers. I look forward to him progressing and making some very intense plays for the Vikings this year, and for years to come.