EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. � Former Minnesota Vikings strong safety Orlando Thomas is continuing his fight with Lou Gehrig�s Disease.

The Vikings said Wednesday that they were erroneously informed by a friend of Thomas� that the 37-year-old had died. A few hours later, a team spokesman and the ex-player�s agent reported that Thomas was still alive.
Agent Mark Bartelstein says he spoke with Thomas�s daughter. He says Thomas is �fighting like heck� despite not being able to speak any longer due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Thomas had 22 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries for the Vikings from 1995-2001. He began feeling symptoms in 2004, and the disease was diagnosed in 2007.
Thomas lives in Lafayette, La., where he went to college.