Earl Thomas out for 6-8 months with shoulder injury

SEATTLE, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Seattle Seahawks Earl Thomas will be out for 6-8 months and require surgery after Super Bowl hits exacerbated a shoulder injury from the NFC Championship

Thomas was injured during the NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers when a hit dislocated his shoulder. Despite the injury, Thomas promised he would be there for Super Bowl XLIX.

"I know who I am, I'm a warrior, bro," said Thomas. "If I can play I don't care if I can't function really well. I know if I can help the team I'm going to be in there."

The decision may have not been the wisest as many of the Seahawks players, including Thomas, took serious hits during the game. Cornerback Jeremy Lane left the field during the first quarter after a cringe-inducing arm injury.

Thomas will now need surgery on his shoulder and is predicted to be off the field 6-8 months. Optimistically, he will be back during preseason in August. If he is less fortunate, he will miss the first few games and be back on the field in October.