Aaron Thomas (November 7, 1937-April 26, 2024) had an all-star career at Oregon State and in the NFL before becoming a big-time Beavers’ booster.
Tommy Prothro recruited Thomas from tiny Weed High School in far Northern California. He had never played football until his high school years but immediately became a standout end at OSU from 1958-60. Aaron only caught 25 passes over the three years but caught the eyes of coaches anyway. He played in the East-West Shrine Game as a junior, then the College All-Star Game, Coaches All-America Bowl, and the Senior Bowl, all as a senior.
Thomas was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1961 NFL Draft and Dallas Texans in the AFL Draft and chose to sign with San Francisco. He played receiver with San Francisco, and tight end with the New York Giants after being traded during the 1962 season, which ended with the Giants losing to Green Bay in the NFL Championship game.
Tight end would be the sweet spot for Thomas, that is where he would stay for most of ten-year career, the last eight with the Giants. Thomas caught 262 passes for 4,554 yards and 37 touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1964 and had his best year in 1967, catching 51 balls. He only missed seven games in his pro career.
Upon returning to Oregon, Thomas served as the assistant director of the Beaver Club from 1983-89. His son Robb played receiver at OSU before his own ten-year NFL career. He also coached Klamath Union High School football.
Aaron Thomas is a member of the Oregon State Athletics Hall of Fame and the Weed High School Hall of Fame.