Thomas DeCoud life and biography

Thomas DeCoud is a safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played college football for the California Golden Bears. DeCoud was drafted in the third round by the Falcons in the 2008 NFL Draft.

TRANSACTIONS
Originally selected as a third round (98th pick overall) draft choice by the Atlanta Falcons in 2008.

CAREER

In two seasons with the Falcons, has emerged as the starting free safety. Established a career-high 113 tackles while adding three interceptions in 2009. Earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football (10/18). Was named to the 2010 USA Today All-Joe Team.

2009 (FALCONS)
Enjoyed a breakout season as the starter in all 16 contests at free safety. Contributed with 113 tackles (73 solo), two sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and seven passes defensed. Tallied a team-high 12 tackles, one pass defensed and one fumble recovery against Carolina (9/20). Logged eight tackles, two passes defensed and a career-high two interceptions against Chicago (10/18). His multiple-interception game was the first for a member of the Falcons defense since 2006. Earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against the Bears. Recorded a career-high 13 tackles at Dallas (10/25) in addition to his first career sack and one pass defensed. Registered eight tackles, one sack and one forced fumble at New Orleans (11/2). His forced fumble came on his second sack of the season and was returned for a touchdown by teammate Kroy Biermann. Notched five tackles, one pass defensed and one interception at the New York Jets (12/20).

2008 (FALCONS)
Competed in 10 games during his rookie season and contributed with five special teams tackles. Saw action on special teams in Atlanta's Wild Card contest at Arizona (1/3/09) and registered three tackles.

COLLEGE

DeCoud started 45 games during his career at California and recorded 198 tackles (115 solo), one sack, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also intercepted one pass, broke-up seven passes and blocked six kicks. Named an All-Pac 10 honorable mention selection while serving as the team's defensive captain during his senior season. Started 12 games at the safety position in 2007 and led the team with a career-high 116 tackles (71 solo), which also ranked fourth in the league. Named Pac-10 Player of the Week against Arizona (9/22/07) after collecting 10 tackles, a 12-yard sack that caused a fumble and his first career interception.

PERSONAL

Attended Pinole Valley High School (California) and earned first-team All-Alameda Contra Costa Athletic League accolades during a brilliant senior season in which he recorded 80 tackles, and two interceptions. Caught 23 passes for 600 yards at the wide receiver position. As a junior, DeCoud was awarded All-ACCAL honors in both football and basketball. Interdisciplinary Studies major. Born on March 19, 1985.

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