Bob Thomas’s journey spans from an accomplished athlete to a distinguished legal professional. Growing up in Rochester, NY, he learned the art of kicking from his late father, Augie, a professional soccer player and coach. At the University of Notre Dame, Thomas played football under coaching legend Ara Parseghian. His most notable collegiate moment came during the 1973 Sugar Bowl, where his kick secured a national championship for the Irish.

Drafted into the NFL, Thomas played 12 seasons, including 10 with the Chicago Bears. He scored 629 points, earning recognition as one of the top scorers in Bears history. A defining moment came in 1977 during a game against the Giants, where he kicked a game-winning field goal in sudden death overtime under brutal conditions.

While playing professionally, Thomas pursued a law degree at Loyola University. He served as a Circuit Judge for Illinois’s 18th Judicial Circuit and was later elected to the Illinois Appellate Court. In 2000, he ascended to the Illinois Supreme Court and served as Chief Justice from 2005 to 2008. Married to Maggie for 33 years, they have three children: Brendan, Jonathan, and Jessica.