From Wesson to the NFL: The Story of Thomas Strauthers

Special to Wesson News

Wesson has produced its share of athletes over the years, but few have taken their talents as far as Thomas Bryan Strauthers. Born in Wesson on April 6, 1961, Strauthers grew up in nearby Brookhaven, where his strength and determination on the football field quickly set him apart. After starring at Brookhaven High School, he continued his journey just down the road at Jackson State University, becoming a key player for the Tigers’ defensive front. His time at Jackson State cemented his reputation as a force to be reckoned with and prepared him for the next level.

In 1983, Strauthers’ small-town roots met the national stage when the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him into the NFL. While he spent time with both the Eagles and the Detroit Lions, his most memorable stretch came with the Minnesota Vikings. Wearing purple and gold, Strauthers anchored the defensive line during the late 1980s, bringing power and consistency to the Vikings’ defense. Over the course of his eight-year professional career, he played in nearly 100 games and recorded 17 sacks, leaving his mark in one of the toughest leagues in sports.

Though his career carried him far from Copiah County, Strauthers has never forgotten where it began. His path—from Wesson to Brookhaven, from Jackson State to the NFL—remains a point of pride for many in the community. For young athletes in Wesson, his story is a reminder that determination, hard work, and faith in one’s abilities can carry you from a small Mississippi town all the way to the biggest stages in the country.

After retiring from professional football, Strauthers transitioned into business and corporate work, carving out a successful second career. He also remained deeply involved in his faith, serving as an elder at Berean Bible Church in Loganville, Georgia. Family has always been central to his life, and his passion for athletics carried into the next generation. His daughter, Courtney, played women’s basketball at the University of Alabama, continuing the family’s tradition of excellence on the court and field.

Today, Strauthers is remembered not only as a tough and dependable NFL lineman but also as a family man and community leader. For Wesson and Brookhaven, his story blends local pride with national recognition, proving once again that small towns can produce individuals who rise to the very top.