Former Wisconsin Badger offensive lineman Joe Thomas is taking up the fight against a deadly fish virus that threatens game fish around the Great Lakes.
Thomas is starring in new Department of Natural Resources TV and radio ads that tell anglers and boaters how to contain VHS, a virus that causes fish to bleed to death.
Thomas starred at left tackle for Wisconsin from 2003 through 2006. He became the first Badger to win the Outland Trophy. The Cleveland Browns picked him in the first round of the NFL draft this spring.
Thomas chose to spend draft day not in New York, but fishing on Lake Michigan with his father.
The TV ads began airing statewide Monday. The radio ads go up next week.
AP