Minneapolis, MN (SportsNetwork.com) – Former Minnesota Vikings defensive back
Orlando Thomas has died after a battle with ALS. He was 42 years old.
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune cited agent Mark Bartelstein as saying Thomas
died at his home in Louisiana after a seven-year fight with arterial lateral
sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Bartelstein told the paper Thomas weighed just 70 pounds upon his death. He
had revealed his diagnosis in June 2007.
Thomas played each of his seven NFL seasons with the Vikings and led the NFL
with nine interceptions as a rookie in 1995. He helped Minnesota to the NFC
title game after the 1998 season and finished his career in 2001 with 22
interceptions in 98 games.
