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Former Pack Star Mark Thomas Joins 99.9 The FAN
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Former N.C. State star Mark Thomas will be the afternoon drive-time co-host for 99.9 The FAN from 3-7pm. |
Mark Thomas, who played tight end for N.C. State in the 1990s and later played in the NFL, is making the move to radio when 99.9 The Fan debuts in October.
Thomas, 31, will appear as a co-host in the afternoon show from 3 to 7pm.
Thomas, now a project manager for St. Lawrence Homes, said he initially thought his friends were pulling a prank when The Fan’s program director, Dave Shore, called him to discuss the radio show.
“When he called me, I thought it was my friends pulling a joke on me,” said Thomas.
But his wife, Jenna, did a quick Google search on Shore, who came to The Fan from Dallas.
“She said, ‘Mark, I think this is the real deal,” Thomas recalled.
He quickly called back, and now Thomas is eager to become one of the Triangle’s radio personalities.
“What a great area for an athlete to talk about something he loves,” Thomas said. “I love to talk football. I love to analyze stuff.”
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Watch the Interview on WRAL.com:
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Thomas, a native of Kinston, played at Smithfield-Selma High School. At N.C. State, he caught 59 passes for 629 yards and three touchdowns in his four seasons there, finishing in 1997
Thomas played in the NFL for the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants.
“Mark brings an incredible passion with his opinion and his perspective on the game,” Shore said. “Having played the game on both the college and pro level helps him give the insight from a player’s viewpoint, not just for football but any sport. I can say that fans and listeners are going to be very pleased with what you will hear from Mark and our show.”
Thomas said he’s eager to engage with listeners, regardless of their collegiate loyalties.
“One thing I believe about the market here is the Carolina fans, the Duke fans, you want someone to be honest about your team,” he said. “If Carolina is playing well, I’ll tell you they’re playing well.
“If they’re not playing well, I’ll be more than happy to tell you they are not playing well,” he joked.
He added, “N.C. State being successful is something that I want. I also want Carolina to be successful.
“That hurts to say,” he said with a smile, “but when Carolina is successful, it makes for good talk radio.”
Thomas lives in Wake Forest, with Jenna and son, Payne. He enjoys golfing every moment he can sneak a tee time.
Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Dane Huffman for this capcom story & to WRAL.com for this capcom photo.
