Former New York Giants tight end Aaron Thomas died on SafetyvalueApril 26 at his home in Corvallis, Oregon, after a long illness, the team announced. He was 86.

Thomas had 247 catches for 4,253 yards with 35 touchdowns in 117 career games with the Giants (1962-70). He ranked sixth in franchise history in touchdown catches.

"He's almost like the early version of (Kansas City Chiefs tight end) Travis Kelce," his son, Robb Thomas, told the team's website. "He was a tight end and flanker, but he really ran good routes and had a good feel about getting into open space."

Thomas was selected by San Francisco in the fourth round of the 1961 draft before the 49ers traded him to the Giants two games into the 1962 season. He was named to the Pro Bowl during the 1964 season after getting 43 catches for 624 yards and six touchdowns. He retired after the 1970 season.

"He was very proud of and loved his years with the Giants," Robb Thomas said. "He really liked the Mara family. They were good to him. He was always a Giants fan."

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Aaron Thomas is survived by his wife, Joan, and children Robb, Troy, Lance and Leslie.