SaberCats Media Relations

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The Arena Football League and the SaberCats announced at halftime of Avitae ArenaBowl XXV that former SaberCats defensive back Clevan Thomas is one of seven members of the 2012 AFL Hall of Fame class.

“Clevan Thomas was one of the greatest defensive players to ever play Arena Football,” said Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet. “He was a tremendous athlete and always found a way to come up with huge game-changing plays. The SaberCats organization and I couldn’t be prouder or happier for him.”

Thomas (5-10, 195, Florida State), a five-time All-Arena selection, 2002 Rookie of the Year and two-time Defensive Player of the Year (2002-03) will soon join former teammates Barry Wagner, Sam Hernandez and SaberCats Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet in the AFL Hall of Fame.

Voted as the 24th Greatest Player in AFL history by the Silver Anniversary Committee, Thomas played with the SaberCats from 2002-08 and is the franchise leader in interceptions (50), which is tied for second all-time in AFL history with former Orlando Predators great Durwood Roquemoore. Thomas also is the single-season franchise leader in interceptions (13 in 2003), which is the fourth highest total in AFL history, as well as the franchise leader in passes defensed (108) and is second in franchise history in total tackles (460).

A three-time ArenaBowl champion, the former Florida State Seminole was a game-changer for San Jose. His famed defensive style predicated on press coverage was a key factor in what made Thomas one of the greatest defensive backs to ever play the game.

In order to be nominated for the 2012 Hall of Fame Class, candidates must meet four criteria. If a player was active before 1989, he must have played for two seasons. For players after 1989, three seasons of service are required. All players must be retired for three complete seasons. Coaches must have been active for a minimum of five seasons and need not be retired.

Fans and current Hall of Fame members voted on the finalists throughout the months of June and July. Votes were then turned into the Hall of Fame Operating Board of Directors, who officially selected the 2012 AFL Hall of Fame Class.

Inductions will be held during the Arena Football League’s 2013 opening weekend.

2012 Hall of Fame Class
Clevan Thomas – Defensive Back
Sherdrick Bonner – Quarterback
Clint Dolezel – Quarterback
Randy Gatewood – Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
Mike Dailey – Head Coach
Mike Hohensee – Head Coach
William Niro - Founding Partner

ABOUT THE SAN JOSE SABERCATS
The ArenaBowl XVI, XVIII and XXI champion San Jose SaberCats, just concluded their 16th Arena Football League season. Fans can log on to thesanjosesabercats.com, call 408-673-3400 and follow the SaberCats on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@SJSaberCats) for all of the latest news and information on the team. Contact the front office at the above phone number for information on 2013 Season Ticket Packages.