Nobis, "Tommy" (Thomas H. Jr.)
Football
b. Sept. 20, 1943, San Antonio, TX
A center, guard, and linebacker at the University of Texas, Nobis was especially noted for his defensive ability. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder had the speed to be a dangerous pass rusher and a good pass defender. His blitzes against Joe Namath helped Texas upset top-ranked Alabama 21-7 in the 1965 Orange Bowl. Nobis was a consensus All-American and winner of the Outland Trophy as the nation's best collegiate lineman in 1965.
The first college player chosen by the Atlanta Falcons, an expansion team, in the NFL's 1966 draft, Nobis signed for a bonus reported at $400,000. He was rookie of the year in 1966, an All-Western Conference linebacker in 1966 and 1968, and he played in 5 Pro Bowls. Because of knee surgery, Nobis retired after the 1976 season. Nobis had 11 interceptions as a pro, returning them for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns.
After retiring, he joined the Falcons' front office. He is currently the team's vice president for corporate development. He is also founder and a director of the Tommy Nobis Center, which provides job training and employment services for young people and adults with disabilities.