Former Minnesota Vikings safety Orlando Thomas died on Sunday evening after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 42.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Thomas was living in his native Crowley, Louisiana at the time of his death.
His agent Mark Bertelstein spoke about Thomas’ courage as he battled ALS.
“To watch what he went through since he came down with this disease,” Bertelstein said, “never showing an ounce of self-pity. He never wanted to talk about his plight.”
Thomas spent his seven-year career with the team that drafted him in the second round. He retired in 2001 at the age of 29 and revealed in 2007 he had the disease that eventually took his life.
Some of Thomas’ former teammates took to Twitter and reacted to the news of his passing.
#42 Orlando Thomas R I P Viking4life
— Randy Moss (@RandyMoss) November 10, 2014
I am devastated and saddened about the passing of one of my best friends, @OrlandoThomas42 He's in a better place now #RIPOT Love you, man!
— Jake Reed (@JakeReed86) November 10, 2014
Only a few people like us @RandyMoss @JakeReed86 and @Coreyfuller4 know what kind man and teammate we lost in Orlando Thomas. #RIP
— Cris Carter (@criscarter80) November 10, 2014
The Vikings also tweeted about the sad news and released the following statement on the death of the defensive back who had 22 career interceptions.
“Orlando was an outstanding player for the Vikings for seven years, but more importantly, he represented the franchise and the state of Minnesota with the utmost dignity and class. While his outgoing personality made him a favorite among his teammates, Orlando’s involvement in the community made him a favorite outside of Winter Park.”
Orlando Thomas: A Viking forever --> http://t.co/4HIB6zYKX6 pic.twitter.com/CRgyVa31Nf
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 10, 2014
image via Twitter by the Minnesota Vikings