50 Greatest Browns of All-Time: #3 LT Joe Thomas
Recently retired Joe Thomas comes in at #3 on our list of 50 Greatest Browns. If you would like to see who the other players that have been highlighted so far, please check out the previous articles.
Thomas was born in Brookfield, Wisconsin and played his college ball at Wisconsin. In 2006 he was awarded the Outland Trophy which is given to the best interior lineman in college football. Additionally, in 2006 he was named an All-American and in both 2005 and 2006, he was named First-Team All-Big Ten. Also while at Wisconsin he had the opportunity to compete as a member of the track and field team.
Thomas played his entire career with the Browns after being drafted #3 overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. His consecutive snap streak of 10,363 is likely to never be duplicated. The streak ended when he injured his arm while blocking Brian Orakpo of the Tennessee Titans. Thomas was a 10-time Pro Bowler and was named 1st TeamAll-Proo seven times. He was widely respected by the league as one of the best and most consistent left tackles.
One of the most important aspects to his career was his ability to be a leader of the team. He was always helpful to younger linemen trying to help them perfect their craft. The day after he announced his retirement, it was noted that Thomas was helping Shon Coleman, who was one of the players vying to take over for Thomas.
Besides for his greatness on the field, Thomas has shown to be quite the character off the field. From “The Joe Thomas Hour” to doing the pregame weather once he was injured and the ThomaHawk podcast with Andrew Hawkins, we know that whatever Joe Thomas does in the future he will find success.
Keep an eye out for the articles on the final two players in the 50 Greatest Browns countdown.
Image: ESPN
