81R3107 JH-D
 
  By: Bonnen H.R. No. 937
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, In recognition of his stellar career as a defensive
  back with the Kansas City Chiefs, Angleton native Emmitt Earl Fyles
  Thomas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008; and
         WHEREAS, This self-described "country boy from Angleton"
  lost his mother at the age of eight and was raised by his
  grandparents, Virginia Fyles and Lewis Fyles, Sr.; Mr. Fyles taught
  young Emmitt important values such as honor, commitment, faith,
  hard work, and respect for others; Mr. Thomas paid tribute to his
  beloved grandfather by adding "Fyles" to his name for his Hall of
  Fame induction; and
         WHEREAS, After playing football at Bishop College in Dallas,
  Mr. Thomas joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 1966; he
  went on to enjoy a 13-year playing career, earning Pro Bowl
  recognition on five occasions and helping lead his team to two Super
  Bowl appearances, including a victory in Super Bowl IV; his 12
  interceptions in 1974 were just two shy of an NFL record, and his
  career total of 58 interceptions still stands as a Kansas City
  record; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas is highly respected for his intellectual
  approach to the game of football, and he has used his extensive
  knowledge of the sport in a successful coaching career that has
  spanned 27 seasons and included positions with the St. Louis
  Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay
  Packers, and Minnesota Vikings; he currently serves as the
  assistant head coach of the Atlanta Falcons; and
         WHEREAS, Emmitt Thomas played football with tremendous heart
  and integrity; his passion for the game and the lifelong lessons it
  teaches have enabled him to reach the pinnacle of his profession,
  and his admirable achievements have brought great honor to his
  family, to his teams, to his hometown, and to the Lone Star State;
  now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
  Legislature hereby congratulate Emmitt Earl Fyles Thomas on his
  induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Mr. Thomas as an expression of high regard by the Texas
  House of Representatives.