My man Ben Maller mentioned this yesterday on the radio and it was quite sad and touching. Former Vikings DB Orlando Thomas, who is only 34-years-old, is suffering from Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Thomas was drafted in the 2nd round in 1995, the same year the Vikings took the late Korey Stringer in the 1st round. Thomas played for the Vikes from ‘95-’01, being a part of some of their playoff teams, including their 15-1 1998 team. Thomas probably never imagined the following would unfold in his life. For those of you unfamiliar with the disease, check out this description:

Thomas, whose ALS was diagnosed in September 2004, is paralyzed above the waist and has only limited movement in his legs. He can’t walk or sit up on his own and is unable to chew or swallow. He’s fed through a tube and needs his throat cleared regularly by suctioning. He also lost his speech recently, although Demetra said his overall physical decline has slowed the past month or so to a point where she considers him “stable.”

It’s crazy to even think that someone who was in peak condition — one of the top athletes in the entire world not long ago — could deteriorate so quickly. Sorry to bring in the downer, but I just thought it was a story worth sharing. Best of luck to him and everyone with Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s such a shame anyone has to be inflicted with it.

(Photo Courtesy Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune)

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