Former Eagle Tra Thomas on Preliminary 2015 HOF Ballot

By Dave Spadaro, Eagles.com

There was, Tra Thomas admits, a moment of sheer “Oh my goodness!” when he found out his name was among those on the preliminary 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot. Thomas, who played 12 seasons in the league, 11 with the Eagles, is beyond honored and humble for the recognition.

“It was a shock, first of all to realize that it’s been five years since I’ve stopped playing, and then to see my name among so many great players,” said Thomas, a first-round draft pick in 1998 who made the Pro Bowl three times, was named an All-Pro once and was voted by the fans to the franchise’s 75th Anniversary Team. “It’s an awesome feeling.”

Thomas had no idea the honor was coming. He found out via a text from one of former quarterback Donovan McNabb’s cousins on Monday night. Thomas’ focus, of course is on Washington and Sunday’s game. Thomas, an assistant coach on the Eagles, knows that everything from here on out is gravy as far as the Hall of Fame is concerned.

“It’s definitely gravy and it’s a great honor to have that recognition, but my mind is focused on Washington and Sunday,” said Thomas. “I’m just here to help the Eagles win.

“When I was playing, I thought about my legacy just a little bit. It isn’t until after you finish playing that you think, ‘I could have done a little bit more here’ or ‘done something there.’ Once I stopped playing, I started thinking about it a little bit more.”

The entire preliminary list to be considered for induction among the modern-day candidates consists of 99 former players and 14 former coaches. No more than five will be selected from that group, and they will be joined on the ballot by Seniors nominee Mick Tingelhoff, a former Minnesota Vikings offensive linemen, and two contributors, for a maximum class of eight into the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame. The group will be reduced to 25 semifinalists in November, and then to 15, which will be voted on the day before the Super Bowl.

Other former Eagles on the list of 99 former players: quarterback Randall Cunningham, tight end Mark Bavaro, defensive tackle Jerome Brown, defensive lineman Carl Hairston, defensive end Jevon Kearse, defensive tackle Greg Townsend, cornerbacks Eric Allen and Troy Vincent, punter Sean Landeta and return man Brian Mitchell. Former Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil is also on the list.