Legendary linebacker Zach Thomas will become the newest member of the prestigious Texas Tech Football Ring of Honor on Oct. 22 when he is inducted prior to kickoff between the Red Raiders and Oklahoma.
 
Thomas will be the fifth Red Raider to be enshrined into the Ring of Honor, joining the likes of Donny Anderson, Gabe Rivera, E.J. Holub and Dave Parks. Thomas will be honored in a pregame ceremony where his name will be unveiled on the West Stadium Building at Jones AT&T Stadium.
 
“Zach Thomas remains one of, if not the best, linebackers in Texas Tech history,” Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt said. “As I’ve said before, induction into the Ring of Honor is reserved for the best of the best and Zach’s accomplishments are certainly worthy of induction.”
 
Thomas, a 2015 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame, remains a celebrated figure in Texas Tech history after a stellar four-year career where he led the Red Raiders to three bowl games. Thomas was a two-time Southwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year honoree as well as a finalist for the prestigious Butkus Award.
 
“This is a tremendous honor for me and my family.” Thomas said. “Texas Tech paved the way for me to be successful not only in college but in the NFL as well so I cannot thank our university enough. I’m proud to be associated with the likes of Donny Anderson, E.J. Holub, Dave Parks and Gabe Rivera. To be mentioned in the same sentence with those Texas Tech legends is truly an honor.
 
“I can’t wait to bring my son into Jones AT&T Stadium and have him see my name displayed on the stadium wall. That will be a memory I’ll cherish forever. I’d like to point out that my name is being recognized because of the teammates and coaches I was fortunate to play alongside. This may be an individual honor but football is a team game, and I would have never achieved many of the accomplishments in my career without my teammates and coaches.”
 
Thomas was overlooked by most Division-I schools before former Texas Tech head coach Spike Dykes offered him a scholarship out of Pampa High School. Thomas went on to be named a unanimous first team All-American in 1995, making him one of just five Red Raiders all-time to earn the distinction.
 
Thomas currently ranks fifth all-time in Texas Tech history with 390 career tackles, including an impressive 131 of which that came during his senior season. He totaled six forced fumbles, recovered four fumbles and broke up seven passes before the Miami Dolphins selected him in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL Draft.
 
Thomas also notched a pair of interceptions, none more memorable than his pick-six for a touchdown that sealed Texas Tech’s 1995 victory over arch-rival Texas A&M. The interceptions remains one of the most celebrated plays in school history and helped cement Thomas’ legacy as one of the best players to ever wear the scarlet and black.
 
Thomas was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times during his NFL career, which ranks third all-time in Dolphins history. In addition, Thomas managed to earn first team All-Pro honors five times before ending his 13-year career following the 2008 season.
 
Texas Tech fans are encouraged to mark Oct. 21 on their calendar as the Red Raider Club will host a luncheon in honor of Thomas. Ticket information will be announced leading up to the event.
 
Season tickets to catch every game of the 2016 season are still one sale and can be purchased online or by contacting the Texas Tech Ticket Office at 806-742-TECH. The Red Raiders open the 2016 slate on Sept. 3 against Stephen F. Austin.
 
ABOUT THE TEXAS TECH FOOTBALL RING OF HONOR
The Texas Tech Football Ring of Honor was established in 2012 with the purpose of selecting an elite group of former players and coaches that made outstanding contributions to Red Raider Football. Candidates for the Ring of Honor are chosen and screened by an anonymous selection committee. Once the committee has determined a suitable candidate(s) for induction, the group makes a formal recommendation to the Director of Athletics. The Ring of Honor is proudly displayed on the West Stadium Building (press box) at Jones AT&T Stadium so that the accomplishments of the inductees are celebrated each year.
 
TEXAS TECH FOOTBALL RING OF HONOR
Donny Anderson (inducted 2012)
E.J. Holub (inducted 2012)
Dave Parks (inducted 2012)
Gabe Rivera (inducted 2014)
Zach Thomas (inducted 2016)