Pierre Thomas is perhaps one of the best undrafted free-agent finds in New Orleans Saints history. The Saints signed Thomas out of Illinois in 2007, and the 215-pound running back has been a steady presence in the Saints backfield ever since. Thomas is known for his tough running between the tackles, and for how he punishes defenders before they can tackle him each time he carries the ball.
Thomas led the Saints in rushing in 2008, 2009, and 2013, with 549 yards on 147 carries. He finished the season first among NFL running backs in receiving, catching 77 passes for 513 yards.
The Lynwood, Illinois, native became the fourth New Orleans running back to surpass 3,500 career yards with 3,523 on 773 rushes. He is currently fourth in Saints history in rushing yards and yards per carry, fifth in rushing touchdowns, eighth in total touchdowns with 38, and ninth in receptions.
As great as Thomas has been on the field, he has been equally great off it. The Saints named Thomas their 2013 New Orleans Saints Man of the Year, and he received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his charitable work and dedication to the community. Thomas earned the Walter Payton award for his iCan Foundation, which he founded to help prevent and educate youth and adults on childhood obesity issues in the U.S.
In partnership with the Mississippi Children's Museum, BankPlus, and the iCan Foundation, Thomas will speak at Spann Elementary this Friday, May 2, about making healthy choices that can impact students for life.
As part of Thomas' visit to the school, 200 students and one parent will receive free tickets to Black and Gold Day: Spring Training with Pierre Thomas and the New Orleans Saints this Saturday, May 3, at the Mississippi Children's Museum from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. School leaders will grant the tickets to students who have shown good behavior and academic success over the last two weeks.
Black and Gold Day will give children the opportunity to test their agility, speed, flexibility and strength. Children who complete five of nine activities will be able to meet and take part in drills with Thomas.
Thomas won't be the only attraction at the Children's Museum—the Lombardi Trophy from the Saints' 2010 Super Bowl XLIV win will be on display at the museum for photo opportunities, as will the Saints' mascot.
The first 200 people to attend the event will receive a ticket to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Admission to Black and Gold Day is $8 per person.
Black and Gold Day sponsors include BankPlus, Outlets of Mississippi, Fox 40, WLBT and Pierre Thomas' iCan Foundation. For more information on this event and the Mississippi Children's Museum's health initiative, visit http://ift.tt/1pTwP0T MCM's website.
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