Rex Beauford Thomas (April 16, 1902 â March 28, 1955) was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver for five seasons for the Brooklyn Lions, Cleveland Bulldogs, Detroit Wolverines, and Brooklyn Dodgers. He later lived in Sterling, Colorado where he worked in the oilfield industry. Rex married Cleo Geyer and had 2 children; Rex Buford Thomas, Jr born August 1, 1925 and Joann Thomas. Thomas was killed in an automobile collision on March 28, 1955, near Sterling.