Robert Thomas | August 31, 2003

As first round draft pick Robert Thomas and the rest of the 2002 rookie class were driving to the Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure where they would make their community debut by handing out pink roses to breast cancer survivors — Thomas was on the phone talking with a young Make-A-Wish boy who was losing his battle with cancer. When Thomas eventually hung up the phone, he sat there quietly for a couple of minutes contemplating the situation before wondering out loud how innocent children could be dealt such devastating circumstances.

A couple weeks later — still moved by his conversations with the boy — he approached the Rams community outreach coordinator and said that he wanted to focus his efforts on ill children in hopes of bringing a little joy into what are sometimes very bleak situations. Since then, he has made frequent trips to St. Louis Children’s Hospital and has formed “Thomas’ Team” a program that provides the hospital’s young patients with tickets to Rams home games.

"Thomas’ Team is a way to get kids to forget about their problems if only for a while,” said Thomas. “It’s great to be able to look up into the stands and get strength from these kids who have been through so much. I might be playing in a big football game, but many of them are battling for their young lives. They inspire me to fight and play harder.”

And whether it be inspiration from “Thomas’ Team” or a years experience in Coach Lovie Smith’s defense, Thomas is emerging as the linebacker that the Rams knew he would be when they drafted him from UCLA.

As for his off-the-field efforts, Thomas is also emerging — as the community star that the Rams knew he would be back in June of 2002 on the way to the Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure.

I’ve read that you make frequent visits to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. What made you decide to focus on this?
-Dana, St. Louis Hills, MO

Actually, I have been visiting children’s hospitals ever since I was in high school — with the Shriners and different things like that. And I just love to see kids smile…you know when kids are going through a hard time, I’ll do anything I can to brighten their days…and as a professional football player I’m in a great position to do so.

What has been your most rewarding off-the-field experience?
-Kevin, Phoenix, AZ

Every time I walk into Children’s Hospital. Just to see the kids and be able to sign pictures for them and have an opportunity to talk to them and encourage them to keep on fighting…make them understand that times might be tough now and although we will have tough times in life, you have to keep on fighting and moving. It’s rewarding when I see the confidence in their eyes when they realize that, “Yeah, I’m going to fight.”

How did your older brother being an NFL player prepare you for the league?
-Mark, Imperial, CA

It helped me a lot. He was a former first round draft pick and he kind of told me what to expect coming into the league –from training camp and throughout the season. It was definitely a big help from both a financial and football perspective.

What or who has been the single most important influence in your life?
-Caren, Adel, IA

My family in general. They have provided me tremendous support and have been there for me through the good and bad.

As a former UCLA Bruin, do you do a lot of surfing?
-Kent, Oceanside, CA

Wow, my off-season home is in Cardiff, California which is right down the road from Kent in Oceanside. And I do a lot of surfing out there — or I try. (laughing) I have a couple friends out there who are trying to teach me — so I’ve been doing a lot of surfing and boogie boarding.

What are your plans after football?
-Michelle, Tacoma, WA

My plans after football are to relax and maybe do some coaching. And be a great husband and raise a good family.