A bad reputation is sometimes hard to kick for an NFL player. Just ask Lions defensive tackle 
Giants receiver Devin Thomas got a reputation for being lazy, and being a player who worried more about things he was doing off the field than on it, when he first got into the NFL in 2008 with the Redskins.
Thomas, a second round pick by the Redskins out of Michigan State, found his way into coach Mike Shanahan’s doghouse early on in Washington, when modeling and staring in music videos took precedent over improving as a player.
“I had other things outside of football that I was interested in, and I still am, but my main job is football, so, I’m focused on that and when it comes to football time that’s all that matters,” Thomas said.
He learned that the hard way when the Redskins released him in 2010. He was claimed by the Panthers for a brief time but was waived a short time later. He finally ended up with the Giants when they claimed him late last season.
“I’ve been working my tail off since then, ” Thomas said of his time in the league since the Redskins let him go. “I grew up a lot. I actually understand what it takes to be an NFL player in this league. I’m studying more and doing a lot more things I was taking for granted, before. I’m here now and just excited to be part of a great team.”
The Giants were certainly happy Thomas was around in the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers.
Thomas recovered two 49ers fumbles on punt returns that the Giants turned into 10 points in their 20-17 overtime victory. The last set up the game-winning field goal in overtime.
Thomas hasn’t given up on being a receiver, which is the position he was drafted No. 34 overall to play for the Redskins, but he realizes that there’s a pecking order with the Giants. He knows he needs to earn his playing time on offense through special teams.
“You have to work your way up and special teams in the way you do it,” he said. “I just took heed with that and worked hard and now it’s paying dividends.”
