Orlando Thomas Battling Lou Gehrig's Disease
Posted Jun 10th 2007 6:23AM by Michael David Smith
Filed under: Vikings, Minnesota

Former Vikings defensive back Orlando Thomas, who led the league in interceptions as a rookie in 1995, has revealed that he is suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Thomas's wife, Demetra, has become his caregiver, and she says he is still strong mentally despite his physical deterioration:


"I used to think that Orlando was just real carefree," Demetra said. "But I'm learning so much from him now. He can't walk into a room and bring on the excitement or bring out his favorite quote -- 'Every day is a holiday!' -- like he used to. But he's showing that, regardless of what's going on in your life, if you live from the heart and you have love, joy and peace, there's nothing greater than living from that place within."

Former Vikings coach Dennis Green has remained in contact with Thomas and says he has maintained the same positive outlook he had as a player. It was three years ago, shortly after Green had offered Thomas a job as an assistant coach with the Arizona Cardinals, that Thomas went to a doctor complaining of muscle twitching and weakness in his shoulders.

Now Thomas can't walk or speak. Said former teammate Jake Reed, "this disease doesn't care who you are, how much money you made or how famous you are."

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