Meet Our Team

Meet The Founder and Director

Ratcliff Thomas, CEO/Director

Ratcliff Thomas is a former NFL linebacker and proud graduate of the University of Maryland, where he played Division I football. After college, he went on to play professionally with the Carolina Panthers and spent four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts (1998–2001), appearing in 34 games. In 1999, he served as team captain and was named to the Sports Illustrated All-Pro Team.

Career highlights include intercepting Donovan McNabb, forcing a fumble from "Hall of Famer" - Jerry Rice, and blocking the Colts’ first punt in over a decade—setting up Edgerrin James’ first career touchdown.

Following his NFL career, Ratcliff dedicated his life to serving youth. He founded the Ratcliff Thomas Foundation to mentor at-risk youth and later launched the GIC All-Star Series. He previously served as Assistant Head Coach at T.C. Williams High School—made famous by the film Remember the Titans—and now leads GIC full time, impacting thousands of young athletes across the country.

Ratcliff’s mission is simple: to show the next generation that if he could reach the biggest stage in football, they can too. Through his leadership, GIC hosts football camps and coaching clinics around the world, helping grow the game and develop future stars.

GIC Leadership Staff