Tributes began shortly after word leaked that the former safety had lost his battle with ALS commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Television and radio sports personalities remembered the toughness he brought to the game, and the class with which he lived his life.

Thomas' good friend, former Viking wide receiver Jake Reed's Twitter page read, "Attention All... Orlando Thomas is NOT dead!! Thanks for your concern! Please continue to pray for him and his family!"

The Vikings' apology and explanation was posted on the team's official Web site late Wednesday.

"We are thankful that this report was inaccurate and he and his family continue to be in our thoughts," the statement read. "We regret the inaccurate report and send our sincere apologies to Orlando and his family."

Continue reading this story, and find out where the team got the incorrect information.