In 2002, J.T. Thomas, Jr. and a partner developed Three Rivers Barbecue, a holding company for his new franchise barbecue restaurant, Red, Hot & Blue. Three Rivers Barbecue is the only southern grill and bar of its kind in the Pittsburg area.

Prior to his Three Rivers Barbecue venture, Thomas helped build B.T. Woodlipp Inc, the business entity responsible for the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar franchise group. It became one of the region's largest minority-owned businesses with 13 restaurants and more than 1,200 employees.

An All-American defensive back playing three seasons for the Seminoles, Thomas was a first-round draft pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1973. He played nine years in the National Football League before retiring in 1982 with four Super Bowl wins. He was a member of the famed "Steel Curtain" defensive squad.

At Florida State University, Thomas was a member of Golden Key and was the first black student athlete to letter in football. He is a member of the FSU African-American Alumni Association and, in 2006, he addressed graduates at FSU's spring commencement ceremonies.

Thomas is also a pianist, but his true passion is mentoring and coaching people to succeed. He spends time teaching life skills to "at risk" youth through non-profit organizations and church. He recently addressed ImPAct 2007, a conference for Pennsylvania young professionals that focuses on urban redevelopment, diversity and career development.