Saints TE Thomas credits wife's role in comeback

METAIRIE, La. (AP) - Saints tight end Dave Thomas says the major factors in his decision to come back from two concussions last season were the opinions of top neurological specialists, as well as his wife.

Thomas included his wife, Kassidy, in every doctor's visit he made while seeking opinions from a half dozen specialists from coast to coast.

A father of three young children, Thomas says he was ready to retire at 28 if that was best for his family. Kassidy Thomas says being included in every conversation with doctors left her confident her husband was taking his health seriously and that it was safe for him to give football another try.

The Saints say Thomas is a versatile, veteran leader who has stood out in offseason practices, and they're happy he's back.