The Cleveland Browns legend Joe Thomas was recently honored by ESPN. The publication released its rankings of the top 25 NFL players of the century. The Hall of Fame tackle was ranked 23rd. Thomas was the highest-ranked offensive lineman on the list. The Hall of Fame tackles Jonathan Ogden and Orlando Pace were listed in the first five left out.
Thomas was the lone bright spot during the Browns’ first two decades back in the NFL. The left tackle never saw much team success while playing, but he became a foundation of the team. Thomas played at an elite level for 10,363 consecutive snaps (unofficial NFL record). He never publicly complained and continued to perform, no matter how poorly the Browns were doing.
Thomas took on the blue-collar attitude of the city, and the city couldn’t be prouder of the Hall of Fame tackle who only wore one jersey. Thomas is one of a few players this century who played their entire career with only one team.
In an era where players of all skill levels are traded and moved like stocks and commodities, it’s rewarding for a fanbase to have a player claim solely their own. Thomas will forever be appreciated for his time in Cleveland.
