Star Thomas Fights Back After Taking Cheap Shot From Own Teammate During Senior Bowl

Star Thomas
ATLANTA, GA – August 30, 2025 – Running back Star Thomas #9 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the Aflac Kickoff game between the Syracuse Orange and the Tennessee Volunteers at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics

Former Tennessee running back Star Thomas stood his ground after taking a cheap shot from his own teammate during the Panini Senior Bowl on Saturday afternoon in Mobile, AL. While going through standard offense vs defense warm-ups before the game, Thomas took a half-speed carry up the middle of the field. Former Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher, Thomas’s teammate, decked him off his feet near the tail end.

Thomas refused Boettcher’s help getting up and threw a right-handed hook. Thomas then took the football and spiked it off Boettcher’s helmet. Their teammates separated the two players before anything else could happen.

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Thomas only took one carry in the Senior Bowl, which went for a one-yard loss. He was one of six National Team running backs who carried the ball on Saturday.

Thomas was a late addition to the Senior Bowl roster this past week. The event held team practices on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, but Thomas didn’t join the event until Friday.

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The six-foot senior from Homer, LA, spent one season at Tennessee. During the Vols’ 2025 campaign, Thomas played in a three-man rotation alongside DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis in the UT running back room. He racked up 596 yards and seven touchdowns on 104 rushes in all 13 games. He also tallied 11 receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns through the air during the season.

Thomas was one of five Tennessee players to participate in Saturday’s Senior Bowl game. The other four included cornerback Colton Hood, defensive back Jalen McMurray, defensive lineman Tyre West, and defensive lineman Bryson Eason.

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West began the contest with a huge tackle for loss on the opening play of the game.

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