Thomas accepted a football scholarship from the University of Nebraska. Although he had never played linebacker before, he was converted into an outside linebacker, which was one of his conditions for coming to Nebraska. He played eight games as a true freshman, registering 13 tackles and 2 sacks. The next year, he became a starter and was a part of the second nationally ranked defense, recording 58 tackles, 4 sacks, a single-season record of 6 fumble recoveries and a single-game record of 3 sacks against Colorado University. As a junior, he played at linebacker and defensive end, collecting 73 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 3 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and one interception. As a senior, he registered 98 tackles, 10 sacks, 35 quarterback pressures, 6 passes defensed, while helping his team win the Big Eight championship and earn an Orange Bowl invitation for the first time in five years. He called himself "Sandman", because he "put running backs to sleep". He is considered to be one of the greatest defensive players in the history of Nebraska football and was also named to the Nebraska All-Century team.
Professional career
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Thomas was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft. He was projected as an outside linebacker or defensive end, but the team decided to play him at middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense as a rookie, which caused him problems learning the system. He was a backup player, making 27 tackles, 2 sacks and one forced fumble. In 1990, he was named the starter at outside linebacker, posting 72 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 33 quarterback pressures. Against the Dallas Cowboys, he tied a club record with 3 sacks, including 2 on consecutive plays. His best season came in 1991, after being shot in the upper chest and right arm during the offseason. He finished with 174 tackles, 11 sacks, 22 quarterback pressures, 10 tackles for loss, 7 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and received Pro Bowl consideration. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, he set a club record with 21 tackles, while also making one sack and 3 tackles for loss. He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after collecting 11 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 passes defended and 2 fumble recoveries against the Detroit Lions. In 1992, he reported out of shape for training camp and struggled with his pass coverage responsibilities as an outside linebacker in the team's new 3-4 defense. He tallied 113 tackles, 5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, 3 fumble recoveries and 8 passes defensed. In 1993, he registered 75 tackles, one sack and 8 quarterback pressures. His playing time was reduced to 8 starts, while platooning with Jimmy Williams, starting at right linebacker against the Giants and at left linebacker in seven-of-the-next-eight contests. On June 31, 1994, he was waived in a salary cap move.
Detroit Lions
On July 15, 1994, he was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Lions. He finished with 85 tackles and 7 sacks.
Minnesota Vikings
On March 9, 1995, he signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings. He recorded 86 tackles, 6 sacks, 6 tackles for loss and 7 passes defensed. He was released on February 9, 1996, after being charged with possession of an unauthorized hand gun and with drunken driving.
Dallas Cowboys
On March 22, 1996, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent, to replace Dixon Edwards, who in turn signed with the Vikings to replace Thomas. In the last 6 games he was moved to defensive end after Charles Haley had season-ending back surgery, finishing with 65 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback pressures, 4 passes defensed and 3 fumble recoveries. In 1997, he was a backup defensive end, registering 31 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 10 quarterback pressures. The next year, he was placed on the injured reserve list after tearing ligaments in his left knee during a Sunday training camp practice. He wasn't re-signed after the season, finishing his career with a streak of 144 consecutive games played.
Personal life
Thomas is the nephew of former Chicago Bears linebacker, and former San Francisco 49ershead coachMike Singletary. His son, Broderick Jr., also attended Madison High School in Houston, where he played quarterback. He resides in Houston, Texas.
