Devin Thomas Devin Thomas ( born November 15 , 1986 ) is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League ( NFL ) . After playing college football for Michigan State , he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft . He played for the Redskins from 2008 to 2010 , the Carolina Panthers in 2010 , and the New York Giants from 2010 to 2011 . He is a member of the 2011 - 2012 Giants team that won Super Bowl XLVI . Early years . Thomas attended and played high school football for Canton High School in Canton , Michigan . As a senior he played WR , RB and CB , for Division 1 ( Class A ) Canton High School . He was named All - State after rushing and receiving for over 1 , 000 yards and 23 touchdowns and also had seven interceptions all in his senior year . College career . Thomas attended Coffeyville Community College , where he redshirted in 2004 and played as a freshman in 2005 . As a sophomore at Michigan State he had only six catches . Under head coach Mark Dantonio , Thomas played well his junior year with 79 catches , a school record , for 1 , 260 yards , and eight touchdowns . Thomas decided to forgo his senior year at Michigan State and declare himself eligibile for the 2008 draft . Professional career . Washington Redskins . Thomas was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round ( 34th overall ) of the 2008 NFL Draft . On July 18 , he agreed to a four - year 4 . 8 million contract that included roughly $ 2 . 7 million in guaranteed money . Thomas is represented by Drew Rosenhaus . In 2008 , Thomas won the NFL Rookie ' s Madden Bowl , defeating future Bears teammate Matt Forté . The Redskins utilized Thomas a good deal on special teams , mainly on kickoffs . While his playing time on offense grew from 2008 to 2009 , his production was limited . In 2008 , he amassed 173 yards of total offense and one touchdown ( rushing ) . In 2009 , his production marginally improved to 323 yards and three touchdowns ( all receiving ) , with a career game December 6 , 2009 against the New Orleans Saints of more than 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns . Through four games in 2010 , under new head coach Mike Shanahan , Thomas amassed no offensive statistics , though he continued to play on special teams . Thomas was waived by the Redskins on October 9 , 2010 . Carolina Panthers . Thomas was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers on October 11 , 2010 , then waived again on November 23 , 2010 . With the Panthers for five games , Thomas played only in their 37 - 13 home loss on November 21 , 2010 to the Baltimore Ravens and recorded no statistics . New York Giants . On November 24 , 2010 , Thomas was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants . To make roster room for Thomas , the Giants placed fullback Madison Hedgecock on injured reserve with a hamstring injury . Thomas wore # 8 in his first game as a Giant versus Jacksonville because the Giants have no more numbers available . During the team ' s December 5 , 2010 game against the Redskins , Thomas made his first impact as a Giant . On special teams , Thomas had two tackles , including one at the Redskins ' 20 - yard line , and he blocked a Hunter Smith punt in the fourth quarter , giving the Giants the ball on the Redskins 13 - yard line . On January 22 , 2012 , Thomas made a huge impact in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers , as he recovered two pivotal fumbles , one of which occurred in overtime to set up the winning score that took the Giants to Super Bowl XLVI . Chicago Bears and Retirement . On March 28 , 2012 , Thomas signed with the Chicago Bears to a one - year contract . On August 5 , 2012 , he announced his retirement from the NFL on his Twitter account . It was later revealed in the New York Daily News that same day he retired at such a young age to avoid lifelong injuries such as brain damage . He also said he would prefer to settle down with his fiancée Porshia and their son Devin Jr . Detroit Lions . On January 17 , 2013 , Thomas came out of his brief retirement and signed a deal with the Detroit Lions .