Athlete of the Week - Centennial Football's Jayden "Jet" Thomas

For Jayden “Jet” Thomas, football has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. What started with a love for the game at just four years old has turned into a high school career filled with growth, hard work, and now an Athlete of the Week honor.

“From being the undersized freshman to being the senior that has earned my first Athlete of the Week is great,” Thomas said. “The recognition means a lot.”

Thomas has grown into one of Centennial High School’s most versatile playmakers, making an impact as both a wide receiver and defensive back. But for him, playing both sides of the ball has never been about personal recognition. It is about doing whatever his team needs.

“One thing I enjoy most about playing both sides is that I am on the field to help my team out,” Thomas said. “Whatever position my coach needs me to play on the field, I will play it for the team.”

That team-first mentality has been on display throughout his career.

Thomas began playing Pop Warner football at five years old and has remained committed to the sport ever since. His journey has also included a position change that helped shape the player he is today.

As a freshman on varsity, Thomas primarily played defensive back. The following year, he made the switch to wide receiver. Now, he has found a way to contribute wherever he is needed, and this season, one game in particular showed just how much his game has developed.

Against Burbank, California, Centennial put 72 points on the board, with Thomas finding the end zone three times himself. “It was my favorite moment this season for me personally,” he said.

While football is a major part of Thomas’ life, it is far from the only thing that defines him. Off the field, his biggest priorities are his family and the future he is building for himself. Thomas is graduating early, meaning his time at home with his family is becoming even more valuable.

“When I’m not playing football, I like to hang out with my family,” Thomas said. “Knowing that I’m graduating early and leaving in the next few months, I like to hang out with my family and cherish the moments that I have while I still live here with them.”

Jet’s parents have been at the center of that journey.

Thomas credits them, along with his agent Mike Waters, as the people who have had the biggest influence on him both on and off the field. “My parents and my agent Mike Waters have the biggest influence on me by far,” Thomas said. “I can always go to any of them when I have any questions that have a big impact on my future, or if I just need someone to talk to.”

That support has helped Thomas stay focused on more than just football. Academically, his goal is to finish the school year with a 4.0 GPA. On the field, he has his sights set on helping Centennial win a city championship while finishing the season with more than 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Beyond high school, Thomas already knows where he wants his journey to take him. Thomas is committed to the University of Minnesota. “I am blessed to say that I am committed to the University of Minnesota and I want to study Business and Real Estate,” Thomas said. For a player who has been around football since he was four, the next chapter is already beginning to take shape. Still, when he isn’t preparing for his future, Thomas is just like any other teenager. During the offseason, he enjoys playing basketball and spending time with his cousins and close friends playing video games.

Those moments away from the field are important for Thomas, especially as he prepares to leave home and begin the next chapter of his life. Thomas’ favorite part about playing for Centennial is the people around him, specifically the support he receives from the coaching staff.

“The coaches and staff are extremely supportive,” he said. That support, combined with the lessons he has learned from his family and years of playing football, has helped him become Athlete of the Week. If Thomas could go back and give that younger version of himself one piece of advice?

“Stay consistent and dedicated.”

 

It is advice Thomas has seemingly followed throughout his journey, and with a city championship to chase, personal goals to reach, and a new chapter waiting at Minnesota, his journey is far from over.

Franchise Sports Media. Las Vegas sports news about Las Vegas Sports teams.

— Keira Reece Orton (@sportswithkeira) for Franchise Sports Media

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