Moments after a thrilling victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Earl Thomas III sought out his mother.
Debbie Thomas’ “miracle baby” had just clinched his first appearance in the Super Bowl and he had to share a special moment with the woman who brought him into the world against all odds. But the moment wasn’t the tearful production that might come at the end of a Hollywood drama.
“She chest-bumped me,” Earl said after the game, drawing a round laughter from the media room. “We’re short, so we don’t have that much vertical, but it was a great family moment.”
Though unorthodox, the celebrations between the two ecstatic Texans seemed fitting. Debbie went through a tumultuous journey to bring Earl into the world and always said that her son was destined to live a remarkable life. This Sunday, he will complete his fourth season in the National Football League by playing in the Super Bowl, a storybook chapter that 26 years ago seemed as though it would never be written.
That’s because back in March of 1987 — two years before Earl was born — Debbie Thomas was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Doctors told her then that the best chance of survival was a hysterectomy, which would leave her unable to have children. A physician for 52 years, Dr. Homer Stuntz, the man who diagnosed Debbie’s cancer, called the case an unforgettable one.
“You don’t forget a Debbie Thomas. There are things you don’t ever get to or expect to see as a doctor, and that was one I never thought I’d see,” Stuntz said. “Her biopsy was cancerous from one side all the way to the other. Not one piece of healthy tissue. I told her if she didn’t have surgery, she was going to die. I was certain of that.”
Despite the warnings of Stuntz and other doctors, Debbie refused to have the surgery that could simultaneously save her life and prevent her from bringing a new one into the world. Friends tried to convince her otherwise, but Debbie had made up her mind: she would put her trust in the Lord.
“I told God that I was putting my faith in him, and my husband, Earl Jr., stood by my side every step of the way,” Debbie said. “Every day, I thank (God) for answering my prayers.”
On May 13, 1987, Debbie went back to the doctor to find out that those prayers had been answered. Just two months after she was given six months to live, Debbie Thomas was cancer-free. She remained that way through multiple tests and two years after her initial diagnosis, Debbie gave berth to her “miracle baby,” Earl III.
From the day he was born Debbie held her eldest son to a higher standard because his life truly was a gift and one she knew could not be wasted.
“He never was supposed to be alive. I was told I would never have kids,” she said. “I’ve told Earl his entire life that ‘all those blessings, gifts and talents that God has bestowed upon you, you can’t take them lightly.’ With everything I went through bringing him into this world, he had to be better than that.”
That message was not lost on Earl. With his mother’s high hopes in the back of his mind and guidance from both Debbie and Earl Jr., he was able to keep himself in line, despite living in a neighborhood where trouble was waiting at every turn.
“It’s easy to get lost in Orange,” ET III said. “There’s a lot of ways you can end up in trouble, and a lot of great athletes end up not getting to play because that happens. I got lucky. My family kept me straight.”
That straight path led to a stellar two-year stint at the University of Texas, which earned him recognition from pro scouts and saw him become a first-round NFL Draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 2010. Four years later, he is a three-time All-Pro considered by many as the best safety in the NFL.
Along the way, ET III helped his mother retire from her job as a receptionist at the Little Cypress-Mauriceville school district, one of the most fulfilling moments in the life his mother dreamed for him.
“As soon as they called my name in the draft, I knew this day was going to come,” said Earl. “We didn’t have much and my mom and dad made it work. They’ve been changing my diapers, taking care of me all my life.”
Now, Earl is set for a Super Bowl XLVII showdown with the Denver Broncos and when he heads to MetLife Stadium for the biggest contest of his career this Sunday, there will be millions cheering him on—but none will be cheering louder than Debbie.
“No matter how old your kid gets, they’re still your baby,” Debbie said. “When I go there I’m like, ‘Go Earl.’ I’ve been his No. 1 cheerleader – one of them because he’s got a lot of them – since he started.”
For Earl, with his mother and the rest of the world looking on, it’ll be a lifelong dream coming true.
“I love this game so much. It’s a dream come true,” he said. “I always dreamed about this as a little boy. You can write your story. I’ve been keeping a journal since Week 2 and to see the words come to life, it shocks me. I’m just happy. It’s a great feeling. It’s been a good year. Somebody needs to pinch me or something. It just feels good.”
RELATED ARTICLES
- DB Earl Thomas is a blessing—to his mother and Texas (The Dallas Morning News, Jan 6, 2010)
- ‘Miracle child’ Thomas has been a blessing for Horns (Austin American-Statesman, Jan 4, 2010)
- Serby’s Sunday Q&A with Earl Thomas (New York Post, Jan 18, 2014)
- Earl Thomas helps his mom retire early from LC-M (Beaumont Enterprise, Jan 29, 2012)
- Inspiration started early for Seahawks’ Earl Thomas (Q13 Fox, Jan 19, 2014)
Go Hawks! Man I can’t wait to see the action in area 29. Best regards bro!
It’s truly a wonderful, inspiring story. The miraculous against-all-odds stories like this are the best. I’ve been thinking of many parallels for this Superbowl and the Packers history. One of my favorite players all-time is Leroy Butler. Even though Favre is who made Wolf famous, I bet Butler was his personal favorite draft selection. Like you, he played with an extraordinary, rare blend of toughness and impeccable timing and instincts, and I think he could give some valuable insights to facing Elway again. You see, in Superbowl XXXII, the Broncos upset the Pack, it was an enormous upset, like nobody thought the Packers would lose, indeed fans envisioned a dynasty playing out, after winning the previous one and Favre in his prime. They had Reggie White, pretty much unblockable, and also added Seth Joyner that year. I remember it was something I didn’t even know about that was a key, a relatively new style called the ‘zone blocking scheme’. Folks at the time thought those low blocks and all that were illegal but it was allowed and the Pack was not ready for it, as Davis dominated the game. Elway finally won his ring, and Packer fans were totally stunned, it was not fun going to work on Monday, believe me. And we were making a homemade pizza for the party, and I don’t think I ate pizza again for a year, haha. So the euphoria was gone for Holmgren, after tasting the Superbowl win, fans unfairly I suppose, demanded another Superbowl. Well it didn’t happen, and another player name Terrell, this time Owens, pretty much ended Holmgren’s stay with a TD catch, ending the Pack’s hopes for that season. I believe if he would have stayed, he would have gotten the Pack to two or three more Superbowl games with Favre, but hindsight is 20/20, and he chose to leave for Seattle and take Hasselback with him. And he did what he did here, he took the Seahawks to the Superbowl. But getting there and not winning it, ultimately is a hard act to follow, and I feel bad he retired kinda ignominiously after that Cleveland stuff. Of course he’ll always be loved here, heck, there’s a street named after him. My whole point is that, now it is Elway with the grandiose, dynastic dreams that we once had. I hope he gets to feel the bitter disappointment he served up to his competitors when the Seahawks win. As you know, taking nothing for granted is very important and to make it business before pleasure. A defense like the Legion of Boom doesn’t just happen very often, the chance to show how special and uniquely dominating it is, is coming up on Sunday. Best of luck! Go Seattle!
Dr.Stuntz i love that DR. He is the one that took care of me when i was pregnant with Justin Williams which played with Earl and ran with him at the Willie Ray Smith Award (from Deweyville) got to meet your parents great people so glad you have went as far as you have you deserve it Keep up the great work will be cheering for you guys on Sunday
Inspiring Story! Get ’em Sunday!
Simply amazing life story. Earl Jr and Deb with Earl the third. I am happy for all of you and to know that Earl 2nd is my Uncle and Third is my nephew. I am proud of you my family. I see headlines on my facebook all the time. Much love n respect to you all
What an absolutely amazing story. Why did we not here anything about this in all of that hot mess called media week? The mainstream media should be ashamed of themselves. Marshawn is absolutely right. They are no longer a bridge between athlete and fan. Outlets like this are. This is the kind of thing fans want to hear. Here’s to another chest bump after the Super Bowl on Sunday! AREA 29! GO HAWKS!!
Miss You, Debbie! I am so happy for you and your husband.
Love, love, love this story and this family! Go Seattle!
Earl, You were destined for this day. To Debbie and Earl Jr (dad) your faith and steadfast love manifested a miracle. The Pittmans (David and Shelia)
I love this story! Go Earl and Go Hawks!
May God continue His miracles!!!
Earl makes us all so proud in Orange of the way he handles himself. I have nothing but admiration for his family that has kept him with his feet on the ground. I was born here in Orange and lived here all my life. It is great to see good things happen to good people. Go Seahawks and Earl–stay safe and enjoy this time in your life!
Good luck Sunday. You’ve been on an amazing ride. Continue safely, and may God continue to be with you. All of Orange, Texas is rooting for you.
Earl, Your Mum sounds so awesome! I love your story, I love her story also. I hope and pray that you have the best game of your life Sunday. It is going to be amazing, and my family in New Zealand are cheering for you too! (after your Mum that is).
Anyway, Good luck and my hubby and I here in Utah LOVE watching you and bam bam take people out to lead the Hawks to a victory.
GO HAWKS!!!! the 12 have never been so united. It’s amazing.
Good luck Lil Earl, we with you on Sunday from your family in H-town.
Love this family. I’m very honored to say that Dora, is grandmother is a wonderful friend to me. Love to visit with Debbie and is Aunts when they shop with me. I had the honor of meeting Earl at his football camp. So proud for this young man and his family.
Best of Luck Earl! You have made your hometown so very proud!
Good luck Sunday, we will all be cheering here!
Very proud of you Earl! I remember lots of junior high basketball practices and games, lots and lots of food eaten by you and Kamron and lots of fun! Good luck Sunday and we will cheering in Southeast Texas!!!
Earl you are amazing! I watched your mic’d up segments and can’t help but notice that you have the intensity and drive to not only be great but strive to be the greatest at your position. I would love it if you were ever in bellingham to come talk to my employees about your work ethic and what it takes to be great! LOB!!!
I met Debbie when she taught the preschoolers at Community Christian School . She was such a sweet sincere woman… who at the time had just given birth to little Earl . She always gave God the glory for her child that doctors said she would never be able to have , She told everyone she came into contact with that he was her miracle baby . She taught my daughter and my daughter loved her. It was her first time being away from home and Ms Debbie made her feel soo comfortable . Earl had a great family foundation ….no doubt . His success is well deserved . Although Orange is a small town and there are those that are jealous …I truly believe , It couldn’t have happened to a better person .
Great story. You GO EARL. You have many MUSTANG families proud. We support you all the way. GO Seattle Seahawks.
PSS. Mrs Jacobs says where’s her ticket???? lol
Remarkable and inspiring story.
I know the good work God has begun in you He is able to complete it.
What an Amazing God we serve!!!
There is No God like the Lord our God.
Go Seattle Seahawks !!!
I thank God for the miracle that he bestowed upon my cousin Debbie (Earl’s mother) .This really teaches us to trust in God and the whole family was raised to depend on God, I am glad to be in the family.
Earl lll….just want to wish you good luck on Sunday. Also to say Thank You for giving back to your home town. My grandson, Seth, was very lucky to attend this past summer your football camp. He had a great time and learned alot. You are such an inspiration. Thanks again and keeping you in our prayers.
So happy for Earl Thomas and family. What a platform God has placed you on.. Your story has greatness written all over it! Cheering for our hometown, Earl Thomas and
Seahawks Today!
My grandson, Cameron Bilbo’s, proudest moment happened last summer at the football camp when Earl gave him a fist bump. Such a small gesture can make a big an impact on a little boy.
[…] sent some very kind words to his mother, Debbie Thomas, who is a cervical cancer survivor that refused surgery so that she could still have […]
[…] some very sort phrases to his mom, Debbie Thomas, who’s a cervical most cancers survivor that refused surgery in order that she might nonetheless have […]