Illinois Supreme Court Justice and former Chicago Bears kicker Robert R. Thomas announced Monday he will retire from the bench.
Thomas, originally elected to the Supreme Court’s Second District seat in 2000, will step down from the court on Feb. 29.
“It has been a great honor and privilege to have served on the Illinois Supreme Court as well as on the appellate and circuit courts over the past 32 years,” Thomas said in a statement. “While I will miss the collegial atmosphere with my colleagues on the court, I am ready to return to the practice of law and help clients achieve justice.”
Originally from New York, Thomas, 67, moved to Illinois when he was signed by the Bears. He kicked for the Bears for nine full seasons — 1975 through 1981, as well as 1983 and 1984. He also played two games for the Bears in 1982. Thomas remains the fourth-leading scorer in Bears history.
Thomas began to pursue his law career while still playing in the National Football League, being admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1981, after graduating from Loyola University School of Law.
In 1988, Thomas began his life on the bench, being first elected to the 18th Judicial Circuit, which covers DuPage County and then, in 1994, to the Second District for the Illinois Appellate Court, which covers much of the northern portion of the state.
The Supreme Court appointed Appellate Court Justice Michael J. Burke to fill Thomas’ seat.
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