EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -The Minnesota Vikings say former Vikings strong safety Orlando Thomas has died after battling Lou Gehrig's Disease.

The team says Thomas died early Wednesday at age 37. He began feeling symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2004, and the disease was diagnosed in 2007.

Thomas was a hard hitter whose 22 career interceptions rank seventh in franchise history. He had 32 total takeaways in 98 games, from 1995-2001 after being drafted by the Vikings in the second round out of Southwest Louisiana.

The Vikings plan to honor Thomas with a moment of silence before their next home game on Nov. 15 against the Detroit Lions.