Excellence of Joe Thomas – A quick look back
Note: This post was originally published on May 24, 2017
Guard Kyrie Irving was talking the other day about waiting for his turn to be the man on the Cavaliers.
Right now, that job is being handled by some guy named LeBron James. Perhaps you’ve heard of him.
Yes, Irving is anxiously waiting for the time when The King cedes his crown to him, but in the meantime, he wants to enjoy the ride of watching something – and someone – special in James.
That’s a good idea. James is one of the greatest players ever – perhaps even THE greatest. That’s a show you can’t miss.
The Browns also have a player who is one of a kind – one worth sitting back and watching.
His name, of course, is Joe Thomas.
Talked with Joe Thomas recently about rookie left tackles and what they can expect playing for the #Browns in 2020. https://t.co/PeAE9IdcTs
— Scott Patsko (@ScottPatsko) April 2, 2020
The left tackle has been a shining star for the Browns in this otherwise nightmarish expansion era. Now entering his 11th season after being picked in the first found, at No. 3 overall, in the 2007 NFL Draft, he has made the Pro Bowl every season. Thos e 10 trips are the most in team history.
And did we mention that Thomas has not missed a game – or even an offensive snap – in all that time?
So he is not just an outstanding player, but also an ironman.
It doesn’t get any better than that.
As they say, your best ability is your availability. But it makes it so much better when that ability is at a high level.
Thomas is part of the Browns’ great lineage of left tackles through the years, beginning with Pro Football Hall of Fame Lou Groza and continuing with Dick Schafrath, who should also be in the Hall, Doug Dieken and Tony Jones. Thomas will be in the HOF someday, becoming the 17th Brown to be so honored.
Thomas has 160 consecutive starts, but will have to play into the 2018 season to pass Dieken’s team record of 194. Dieken also owns the club record with 203 consecutive games played. However, barring injury, Thomas will pass both Walter Johnson (168) and Gene Hickerson (165), who rank fourth and fifth, respectively, by the midway point of this season. Don Cockroft (188) is second and Clarence Scott (178) third.
So just enjoy Joe Thomas while he’s still here, and hopefully the Browns can get him a playoff start before he retires.
Excellence of Joe Thomas by Steve King
More Cleveland Browns News
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- Was it really good? You know what I’m talking about
- 5 linebackers who could fit the Browns on Day 2 of the draft (cleveland.com)
- Browns Steering Wheel Cover (Browns Daily Dose)
- Browns banking one-year deals will pay off for defense, now and later (ESPN)
- 5 things to know about DT Andrew Billings (clevelandbrowns.com)
