Michael Thomas is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL today. He plays for the New Orleans Saints and has been breaking records and making headlines with his spectacular catches and touchdowns. But did you know that he is also the nephew of another former NFL star, Keyshawn Johnson?
Keyshawn Johnson was a Pro Bowl receiver who played for four teams in his 11-year career, most notably the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He won a Super Bowl ring with the Buccaneers in 2002 and retired as one of the most productive and outspoken players in NFL history.
Michael Thomas and Keyshawn Johnson share more than just blood. They also share a passion for football, a competitive spirit, and a remarkable talent for catching the ball. In this article, we will explore how Michael Thomas is related to Keyshawn Johnson, how they influenced each other, and how they compare as NFL receivers.
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The Family Connection
Michael Thomas was born on March 3, 1993, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of Michael Thomas Sr. and Bernadette Thomas. He has two brothers, Daniel and Josh.
Keyshawn Johnson is Michael Thomas’ uncle on his father’s side. Keyshawn Johnson was born on July 22, 1972, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of Vivian Jessie and Joseph Henry Johnson. He has two sisters, Monique and Kim.
Michael Thomas Sr. and Keyshawn Johnson are brothers. They grew up together in a tough neighborhood in South Central Los Angeles. They both loved football and played together at Dorsey High School.
According to ESPN1, Keyshawn Johnson was a star quarterback and receiver at Dorsey High School, while Michael Thomas Sr. was a defensive back and receiver. They both went on to play college football at different schools. Keyshawn Johnson played at USC, where he became an All-American and a Heisman Trophy finalist. Michael Thomas Sr. played at Pacific, where he was a four-year starter.
Michael Thomas Sr. did not make it to the NFL, but he remained close to his brother Keyshawn Johnson, who was drafted by the New York Jets as the first overall pick in 1996. Michael Thomas Sr. often visited his brother’s games and practices, bringing along his young son Michael Thomas Jr.
Michael Thomas Jr., or simply Mike as he prefers to be called, grew up idolizing his uncle Keyshawn Johnson. He watched him play on TV and learned from him in person. He also inherited his uncle’s physical traits and skills.
According to The New York Post, Keyshawn Johnson remembers his nephew being a 10-year-old on a mission. He said:
“He always wanted to be around me when I was playing football or working out or whatever it was I was doing … He would always say things like, ‘I’m going to be better than you.’”
Michael Thomas also received guidance and support from his uncle throughout his football journey. Keyshawn Johnson helped him choose his high school (Woodland Hills Taft), his college (Ohio State), and his agent (Andrew Kessler). He also gave him advice on how to improve his game and handle the pressure of being an NFL player.
The Football Success
Michael Thomas followed his uncle’s footsteps to become a star receiver in college and in the NFL. He has been breaking records and making history with his phenomenal performances.
At Ohio State, Michael Thomas played for three seasons under coach Urban Meyer. He caught 113 passes for 1,602 yards and 18 touchdowns in his career. He helped the Buckeyes win the national championship in 2014 and was named a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2015.
In the 2016 NFL Draft, Michael Thomas was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the second round with the 47th overall pick. He joined forces with quarterback Drew Brees and coach Sean Payton to form one of the most lethal passing combinations in the league.
In his rookie season, Michael Thomas set franchise records for receptions (92), receiving yards (1,137), and receiving touchdowns (9) by a rookie. He also led all rookies in those categories and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
In his second season, Michael Thomas improved his numbers to 104 receptions for 1,245 yards and five touchdowns. He also made his first Pro Bowl appearance and was named a second-team All-Pro.
In his third season, Michael Thomas had a historic year that earned him widespread recognition as one of the best receivers in the game. He led the NFL with 125 receptions, which broke Marvin Harrison’s single-season record of 143 set in 2002. He also had 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns. He made his second Pro Bowl and was named a first-team All-Pro.
In his fourth season, Michael Thomas continued his dominance with 149 receptions for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns. He broke his own record for receptions in a season and also set the NFL record for receiving yards in a season. He led the league in both categories and was named the AP Offensive Player of the Year, the first receiver to win the award since Jerry Rice in 1993. He also made his third Pro Bowl and was named a first-team All-Pro for the second consecutive year.
In his fifth season, Michael Thomas was hampered by injuries and missed nine games. He still managed to catch 40 passes for 438 yards and no touchdowns in seven games. He also became the fastest player to reach 500 career receptions, doing so in his 69th game.
Michael Thomas has been a consistent and reliable target for Drew Brees and the Saints offense. He has been praised for his route running, hands, toughness, and competitiveness. He has also been nicknamed “Can’t Guard Mike” for his ability to beat any defender.
Keyshawn Johnson is very proud of his nephew’s achievements and has been one of his biggest supporters. He has also been impressed by his nephew’s improvement and growth as a player and a person.
According to NFL.com, Keyshawn Johnson said of his nephew:
“He’s just gotten better every single year … He’s matured as a young man. He’s matured as a football player. He understands what it takes to be successful at this level.”
Keyshawn Johnson also believes that his nephew has surpassed him as a receiver and has become one of the best in NFL history.
According to The New York Post, Keyshawn Johnson said of his nephew:
“He’s better than me … He’s better than me right now. He’s on his way to being better than me for his career if he continues at this pace.”
The Comparison
Michael Thomas and Keyshawn Johnson are both elite receivers who have made their mark in the NFL. They have many similarities, but also some differences, in their style of play, their career stats, and their accolades.
Style of Play
Michael Thomas and Keyshawn Johnson are both big-bodied receivers who can use their size, strength, and physicality to overpower defenders. They are both excellent route runners who can create separation and get open. They are both sure-handed receivers who can catch anything thrown their way. They are both tough and durable players who can play through pain and injury. They are both competitive and confident players who can handle pressure and criticism.
However, they also have some differences in their style of play. Michael Thomas is faster and more explosive than Keyshawn Johnson. He can stretch the field vertically and make big plays downfield. He is also more versatile and can line up anywhere on the field. Keyshawn Johnson was more of a possession receiver who excelled at moving the chains and making clutch catches. He was also more vocal and outspoken than Michael Thomas, who is more reserved and humble.
Career Stats
Michael Thomas and Keyshawn Johnson have both put up impressive numbers in their careers, but Michael Thomas has the edge in most categories.
Michael Thomas has played five seasons in the NFL so far, while Keyshawn Johnson played 11 seasons. In those five seasons, Michael Thomas has caught 510 passes for 5,950 yards and 32 touchdowns. In his first 11 seasons, Keyshawn Johnson caught 766 passes for 9,339 yards and 64 touchdowns.
Michael Thomas has averaged 102 receptions, 1,190 yards, and 6.4 touchdowns per season. Keyshawn Johnson averaged 69.6 receptions, 849 yards, and 5.8 touchdowns per season.
Michael Thomas has led the league in receptions twice (2018 and 2019) and in receiving yards once (2019). Keyshawn Johnson never led the league in any category.
Michael Thomas has the most receptions (510) and receiving yards (5,950) by any player in their first five seasons in NFL history. He also has the most receptions (149) and receiving yards (1,725) by any player in a single season in NFL history.
Keyshawn Johnson holds the record for the most receptions (106) by a rookie in NFL history. He also holds the record for the most receptions (90) by a player in their final season in NFL history.
Accolades
Michael Thomas and Keyshawn Johnson have both earned recognition and honors for their performances on the field, but Michael Thomas has more awards than Keyshawn Johnson.
Michael Thomas has been selected to three Pro Bowls (2017-2019) and two first-team All-Pro teams (2018-2019). He has also won the AP Offensive Player of the Year award (2019) and the PFWA Offensive Player
