What Happened to Rodney Thomas II?
Rodney Thomas II is an American professional football safety who played college football at Yale before being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2022 NFL Draft. After three seasons with the Colts, where he demonstrated versatility and made significant plays, Thomas II signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent on March 12, 2026, to compete for a starting role in their secondary.
Quick Answer
Rodney Thomas II is currently a safety for the Seattle Seahawks, having signed with the team on March 12, 2026, after his rookie contract with the Indianapolis Colts expired. He was drafted by the Colts in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft and played three seasons for them, recording 6 career interceptions and starting 25 games over his first two years. He is expected to compete for a starting safety position in Seattle.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Rodney Thomas II was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Enrolls at Yale University
Thomas II began his collegiate football career at Yale University, playing defensive back.
All-Ivy League Honorable Mention
As a junior, Thomas II earned All-Ivy League Honorable Mention playing linebacker for Yale.
Yale Season Cancelled due to COVID-19
The Ivy League cancelled the 2020 football season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting Thomas II's collegiate career.
First Team All-Ivy League
In his final season at Yale, Thomas II earned First Team All-Ivy League honors as a defensive back, recording 50 tackles and two interceptions.
Drafted by Indianapolis Colts
Rodney Thomas II was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 239th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
First NFL Interception
In Week 5 of his rookie season, Thomas II recorded his first career NFL interception against Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson on Thursday Night Football.
Strong Rookie Season with Colts
Thomas II finished his rookie year with 52 tackles, six passes defensed, and a team-high four interceptions in 17 games (10 starts).
Continues as Colts Starter
He played in all 17 games, starting 15, and recorded 34 tackles, four passes defensed, and two interceptions for the Colts.
Reduced Role with Colts
Thomas II appeared in all 17 games but made only one start, compiling seven tackles for the Indianapolis Colts.
Limited Defensive Snaps in Final Colts Year
In his final season under his rookie contract with the Colts, Thomas II played in all 17 games but had a limited role, participating in only 13% of defensive snaps and recording 21 tackles.
Signs with Seattle Seahawks
Rodney Thomas II signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent, aiming to compete for a starting safety position.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Rodney Thomas II, born on June 26, 1998, established himself as a notable defensive talent during his collegiate career at Yale University. Playing both linebacker and safety, he earned First Team All-Ivy League honors in 2021, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability with 50 tackles, 11 passes defensed, and two interceptions in his final season.
His performance at Yale caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round (239th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. Thomas II quickly made an impact in the NFL, exceeding expectations for a late-round pick. In his rookie season (2022), he appeared in all 17 games, starting 10, and recorded 52 tackles, six passes defensed, and a team-high four interceptions, the most by a Colts rookie since 2004. This strong debut solidified his position as a promising young safety.
He continued to be a significant contributor in his second season (2023), playing in all 17 games with 15 starts. He tallied 34 tackles, four passes defensed, and two interceptions, maintaining his role as a starting strong safety for the Colts. However, his role saw a reduction in the 2024 season, where he appeared in all 17 games but made only one start, compiling seven tackles. The 2025 season saw him in a more limited capacity, participating in just 13% of the team's defensive snaps across 17 games, recording 21 total tackles.
As his four-year rookie contract with the Colts, signed on May 13, 2022, was set to expire after the 2025 season, Thomas II became a free agent. On March 12, 2026, a significant turning point in his career occurred when he signed with the Seattle Seahawks. This move positions him to compete for a starting safety spot alongside Julian Love and Ty Okada, offering him a fresh opportunity to re-establish himself as a primary defensive player in the NFL.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Rodney Thomas II made different choices?