Thomas Everett Thomas Gregory Everett ( born November 21 , 1964 ) is a former American football safety in the National Football League . He played nine seasons for three teams ( Pittsburgh Steelers 1987 – 1991 , Dallas Cowboys 1992 – 1993 , Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1994 – 1995 ) . He attended Baylor University where he won the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in college football . As a member of the Cowboys in 1993 he made the Pro Bowl . Early years . Everett was born in Daingerfield , Texas . In Daingerfield High School he played seven positions including quarterback . Everett was the first , and so far only person to have his number retired at Daingerfield High School . His number hangs today in the school ' s field house . College career . Everett attended Baylor University where he played under College Football Hall of Fame coach Grant Teaff . As a freshman , he was a starter at cornerback halfway through the season . He opened the next year at corner but was moved to safety in his second game , there he blossomed making 99 tackles . In his junior year he became one of the best defensive backs in the nation earning a two - time All - America n selection , being named twice Southwest Conference Most Valuable Player and first team All - Conference . He was voted the conference ’ s Athlete of the Year for the 1986 - 1987 school year . He ranks among Baylor ’ s top ten in career interceptions ( 12 ) , tackles ( 325 ) , punt returns ( 80 ) and punt return yards ( 766 ) . Not only was he adept at coverage and as a tackler , but also was a fine punt returner , leading his team in punt return yards three times . He was a leader during one of the program ' s most successful eras as the Bears won 30 games and appeared in three bowl games . He was named to Baylor ' s All - Decade of the 1980s Team an to the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame . Everett was the first - ever winner of the Jim Thorpe Award in 1986 as the nation ’ s top defensive back . In 2006 , he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame . Professional career . Pittsburgh Steelers . Everett was selected in by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 4th round of the 1987 NFL Draft . He played in Pittsburgh for 5 seasons and intercepted 16 passes over that time . He was a top notch safety when a contract dispute paved the way for a trade with the Dallas Cowboys for a fifth round draft choice . Dallas Cowboys . He was one of the most important trades made during the Jimmy Johnson era , that helped to solidify the team ' s defensive backfield . In Everett ' first season with the Cowboys he wore number 31 because reserve running back Curvin Richards wore number 27 , the number Thomas wore for five seasons with the Steelers . When Richards was cut after the final regular season game in 1992 for fumbling , he changed his number to 27 for the playoffs . The Cowboys went on to win the Super Bowl with him recording two interceptions in a 52 - 17 victory over the Buffalo Bills . Tampa Bay Buccaneers . After the 1993 season , Everett signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . He played there for 2 seasons before retiring . Personal life . He is also the older brother of former NFL football player , Eric Everett ( of Texas Tech University ) , who played for the Philadelphia Eagles ( 1988 – 89 ) , Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 1990 ) , Kansas City Chiefs ( 1991 ) , and Minnesota Vikings ( 1992 ) . He currently runs an athletic camp called Thomas Everett Athletics .