The Patriots selected David Thomas in the third round (86th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. The six-foot-three-inch, 248- pounder finished his college career as the most decorated receiving tight end in University of Texas history. The Texas native holds the Longhorns' tight end records for catches (98), receiving yards (1,367) and touchdown receptions (15). He set the Texas single-game record for receptions by a tight end with 10 grabs in the 2006 Rose Bowl, helping his team claim the BCS Championship.
Thomas sat down with us to answer some questions about his life both on and off the football field.
FAVORITES
What is your favorite thing about growing up in Texas? The people down there are really great. I grew up in a small town where everybody knows each other. There are really friendly people down there.
What is your favorite late-night snack? I like cottage cheese and pears mixed together. My wife makes that.
What is your favorite hobby? I like to watch movies with my wife. I'll watch any movie if it's a good movie.
Who was your favorite professional wrestler growing up? I've got to go with the Hulkster.
What is your favorite restaurant? There's a place back in Austin that I really like called "EZ's." It has every kind of food you could want. It's just a local place in Austin.
Who is your favorite actress? I don't know... I guess Julia Roberts.
What is your favorite reality television show? I don't really watch reality TV. Seinfeld is definitely my favorite TV show. I've got all of the seasons on DVD.
OFF THE FIELD
What is one thing that you have never been able to do? I've never been able to dance. I'm a terrible dancer.
What is the toughest thing about you that your wife has to put up with? When I'm tired and come home and don't feel like doing anything. I try to help her around the house, but sometimes when I get home I'm a bum.
After your football career is over, what job fields interest you? I want to be either a high school or college coach. I can definitely see myself staying in the game. It's something I've always done and been a part of, so it would be hard to give up completely.
What has been the biggest transition in moving to New England? Just getting used to the area. I grew up in west Texas where it is flat and there are no trees. You can see for miles. It was very different coming up here with all the trees and the roads are real curvy.
What did you do during the bye week? My wife and I stayed in Boston. We did a little shopping on Newbury Street.We just relaxed and had a good time.
Of the community activities you have been involved with, which one touched you the most? One thing I did while I was at the University of Texas that I really liked was going to the Children's Hospital before home games, seeing those kids and helping them smile. Another thing I really enjoyed was being a mentor in an elementary school. There was a group of us from Texas who each had a kid. I had a little girl four years ago who still comes to the Texas games and I still see her. It's neat to see a little kid look up to you and watch them grow up and do well.
What was the worst job you ever had? I was a construction worker between my senior year of high school and my freshman year of college. Manual labor makes you appreciate being a football player.
What is something that annoys you? When people aren't honest. If I turned on the CD player in your car right now, what would I hear? It's a band called Third Day. It's a Christian gospel group.
Have you read any good books lately? I read the Bible every day.
Do you ever get the Dave Thomas/Wendy's remarks from people? That's the first thing people say when they meet me. I'll always introduce myself as David, but it will get shortened to Dave. That's something I've dealt with for years. I've heard them all, I think.
The MTV show, The Real World Austin, was filmed when you were at the University of Texas. Did you ever see them around town? I never saw the cast. A lot of the guys on the team would see them. They were right downtown and they were out a lot.
ON THE FIELD
Do you have a most memorable reception? I'll always remember my first one as a Patriot against the Jets. That was an exciting day.
Describe the atmosphere after your victory in the BCS Championship Game last year? It was awesome. Running around, celebrating with my teammates and seeing the confetti flying. I could look up and see my family in the stands. It was just a really exciting time. To go out like that is pretty special.
What is the toughest thing about being a rookie? Just getting used to all the changes going from a place where you are so comfortable to a new place with new teammates and a new offense. There are so many adjustments in not very much time.
What do you enjoy the most about playing the game? Winning. The best part about playing football is being a part of a winning team.
THIS OR THAT
Southwest BBQ ribs or a Big Texas steak? I'm going to go with the steak.
College Football BCS or playoff format? BCS. I think that is what makes college football great. Every game is important.
LeBron James or Dwyane Wade? Dwyane Wade has won a championship.
Sports car or SUV? SUV.
Which reality TV show would you be better on: American Idol or Dancing with the Stars? American Idol because I can't dance.
Bigger tough guy: Chuck Norris or Steven Segal? Chuck Norris.
JUST FOR FUN
If you could have one special power, what would it be? Being able to fly.
Which one of the Patriots rookies would last the longest on the reality show Survivor? Laurence Maroney because he is so friendly, but he wouldn't make it with all the backstabbing. Maybe Garrett Mills. He's a tough guy but he's really friendly.
If you had a free round-trip plane ticket to anywhere in the world, where would you go? I want to go to Rome some time.
If you could travel back in time, what event or era would you visit? I'd go back to the old west and see the gunslingers.
