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.