(born Nov. 7, 1937) Aaron Thomas had an all-star career at Oregon State and in the NFL before becoming an ardent Beavers’ booster.

Born in 1937, Thomas played receiver at OSU from 1958-60. He played in the East-West Shrine Game following his junior season, and the College All-Star Game, Coaches All-America Bowl, and the Senior Bowl following the ’60 season.

Thomas was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 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 ’62 season, which ended with the Giants losing toGreen Bay in the NFL Championship game.

In 10 years, Sears caught 262 passes for 4,554 yards and 37 touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1964, despite the Giants finishing 2-10. In his career, he missed just seven games.

Upon returning to Oregon, Thomas served as the assistant director of the Beaver Club from 1983-89. He was inducted into the State of Oregon Hall of Fame in 1982, and the Oregon State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990.