From the Gridiron to the Sidelines: The Journey of UMARY's Thomas DeCoud

As the University of Mary Marauders continue to build a powerhouse defense, the team is incredibly fortunate to have Thomas DeCoud leading the charge as the Assistant Football Coach - Secondary and Defensive Pass Game Coordinator. But long before he put on the coaching headset, DeCoud built a football resume that stretches from the Bay Area all the way to the NFL Pro Bowl.

Here is a look at Coach DeCoud's journey before arriving at UMARY:

California Roots and College Days

Growing up in California, DeCoud's athletic talent was evident early on. He attended Pinole Valley High School in Pinole, California, where he was a true dual-sport threat, lettering in both football and basketball. He earned All-ACCAL honors in both sports before graduating in 2003.

Following his standout high school career, DeCoud took his talents to the collegiate level, patrolling the secondary for the California Golden Bears. His time at Cal helped mold him into an elite defensive back and caught the eyes of NFL scouts.

Making a Name in the NFL

DeCoud’s professional journey began when the Atlanta Falcons selected him in the third round (98th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. He spent seven successful years in the league, making a significant impact on the field:

• Earning His Stripes: As a rookie in 2008, DeCoud played 10 games primarily on special teams, recording 6 tackles. By his second year, he had a massive breakout season. Starting all 16 games at free safety, he compiled 68 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions, which earned him a well-deserved spot on USA Today’s annual "All-Joe" team.
• Pro Bowl Peak: DeCoud's finest NFL season came in 2012. He recorded a career-high 6 interceptions and was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl, cementing his status as one of the top safeties in the league.
• A Sense of Humor: Proving that football should also be fun, DeCoud went viral during a September 2012 SportsCenter interview by sneaking multiple "meows" into his answers, flawlessly executing the "Meow Game" from the cult-classic movie Super Troopers.
• The Carolina Panthers: In 2014, DeCoud took his veteran leadership to the Carolina Panthers. He immediately made his presence felt, breaking up a deep pass intended for Calvin Johnson in Week 2, and eventually recording a classic interception against Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler in Week 5.

Bringing Pro Experience to UMARY

With 15 career interceptions and 425 total tackles across 104 NFL games, Coach DeCoud knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the absolute highest level of the sport. He brings a wealth of knowledge, elite technique, and a highly competitive mindset to the UMARY defensive backs, making him a phenomenal asset to the Marauders' secondary.

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