Illinois Football: Five Former Illini In The NFL Who Have Had Successful Careers

3) Pierre Thomas

August 17, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Jaguars defeated the Saints 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

After going undrafted in the 2007 NFL Draft, it was kind of a shock that Thomas would be a quality running back on a NFL team today. He made his debut with the New Orleans Saints in 2007 and has never looked back.

He had to compete with a fourth round draft pick for the final spot on the roster in an already heavy backfield which included Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush and Aaron Stecker. That year, he became one of only two rookie free agents to make opening day roster. As a rookie, Thomas recorded 226 total yards from scrimmage and went into the record books as third-highest total in team history.

His best season in the NFL would be his 2009 season. He only started six games, but played in fourteen games. He lead the team with a career-best 793 yards on 147 rushing attempts and averaged 5.4 yard per carry with six touchdowns. That season was then capped off with a Super Bowl win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Overall, Thomas has recorded 2,974 rushing yards on 626 attempts and 24 rushing touchdowns.