EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -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.