Congratulations to Joe Thomas, standout left tackle for the Cleveland Browns from 2007-2017, on his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton! Thomas and the rest of the Class of 2023 will be enshrined this summer.Here are 11 reasons — one for each of his NFL seasons — why we love Joe Thomas:11. He is amiable, articulate and insightful. Browns beat reporters thoroughly enjoyed covering Thomas, who recognized they had a job to do, too. He always offered something interesting in his interviews. He didn’t give canned or otherwise antiseptic answers. That Thomas has excelled post-retirement as an analyst for NFL Network comes as no surprise.10. He and LeBron James were high school stars at the same time. Thomas was born Dec. 4, 1984; LeBron, Dec. 30, 1984. Thomas was an elite football prospect but also could hoop. His height (eventually 6-foot-6 5/8), frame and quick feet helped him become a quality post player. He once attended an AAU basketball tournament in Las Vegas that featured LeBron. 9. He is a foodie. Thomas is more than an eater; he is a food connoisseur. He is a friend of Michael Symon, so it makes sense that he knows how to cook. He is a must-follow on social media for many reasons, including audio/video on preparations of various meats. He recently told Cleveland Magazine that one of his specialties is Jamaican Jerk Skirt Steak.8. He is Midwest through and through. He was born and raised in Brookfield, Wisconsin; played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin; played professionally in Cleveland; and is raising his family in Wisconsin. Thomas once listed his favorite meal as meatloaf and mashed potatoes. He likes beer. (Great Lakes Brewing Co. has a “73 Kolsch” in his honor.) 7. He is a man of the people. Thomas never puts on airs or otherwise acts superior to anyone. He is just as comfortable conversing with an “Average Joe” as with a corporate bigwig. He is humble and self-deprecating, with a sense of humor. If needed, Thomas could pinch-hit as a stand-up comedian.6. He is an avid fisherman. Thomas once co-hosted a show, with The Plain Dealer writer D’Arcy Egan, on SportsTime Ohio titled, “Outdoors Ohio.’’ Lake Michigan is his home hole, but he has raved about Lake Erie for its diversity of fish. 5. He went fishing during the 2007 NFL Draft. Who needs glitz and glamour? Thomas knew he would be a high pick, but he preferred the relative solitude of his comfort zone. On a boat in Lake Michigan, he learned by cell phone that he was the No. 3 overall pick to Cleveland. 4. He never gave in to a culture of losing. The Browns went 48-128 in his tenure, including just one winning season (10-6, no playoffs in 2007). Thomas never let the losing affect his dedication, nor did he whine and moan about his lot in his professional life. 3. He played 10,363 consecutive snaps. The mind-boggling streak — immortalized in the Browns Ring of Honor at First Energy Stadium — was at the time of his retirement the NFL’s longest since snap counts were tracked beginning in 1999. Because of his position, Thomas wasn’t able to hide. After the vast majority of those snaps, he and a defender smashed into each other.2. He achieved the pinnacle of his profession. Thomas was a six-time 1st Team All Pro; 10-time Pro Bowl; NFL All-Decade 2010s. In other words: He was consistently dominant, and the payoff was the stuff of dreams. He did not win a Super Bowl ring but secured a football player’s most coveted item: the gold jacket from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.1. He played his entire career with the Browns. Cleveland fans don’t need to share Joe Thomas with anybody.
