Hollis Thomas
New Orleans Saints

His career may have taken him elsewhere, but Hollis has made a difference in the lives of many St. Louis youth. Hollis has been a significant contributor to programs and events that help at-risk young people in the St. Louis area. In 2001, he established the Hollis Thomas Foundation. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to inspiring youth to achieve their greatest potential through education by using athletics as a means for advancement. The foundation raises money for many St. Louis organizations and helps with the expansion of numerous existing programs. Each June, Hollis hosts a youth football and cheerleading mini-camp. Professional athletes and cheerleaders attend the camp in support of his cause, lending not just their name, but also their time to teach youngsters the fundamentals of football and cheerleading. The St. Louis Sports Commission and Citizenship Through Sports Alliance will team with Hollis to host “Good Sports Day” on June 10 at the Wohl Recreation Center in St. Louis. The event features the NAIA’s Champions of Character seminar and a health and employment symposium for parents whose children were attending the football camp. Hollis attended the Academy of Math and Science in St. Louis and played football for Sumner High School. A standout at Northern Illinois, he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent in 1996. He has since played in 126 games – totaling 361 tackles and 13½ sacks. The New Orleans Saints acquired Hollis in April.