Joe Thomas Retires From Cleveland Browns

CLEVELAND, OH — Left tackle Joe Thomas will retire from the Cleveland Browns, the team announced on Wednesday. The 33-year-old spent his entire career in the trenches for the frequently hapless Browns. While playing, Thomas was consistently rated as one of the best offensive lineman in the NFL.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family,” Thomas said on the Cleveland Browns website. “Playing in the NFL has taken a toll on my body and I can no longer physically compete at the level I need to.”

The former University of Wisconsin Badger was a stalwart Clevelander and reliable tackle. He was a 10 time Pro Bowl selection during his 11-year career and eight time member of the All-Pro team (six time first team All-Pro). His departure will leave a gaping hole on the quarterback's blind side and in fans' hearts.

Thomas made a memorable first impression, skipping the 2007 NFL draft to go fishing with his father. He got news of his selection while out on the water. It was that nonchalance that endeared him immediately to Browns faithful.

Well, his nonchalance off-the-field, and his ability to maul defensive lineman on-the-field. Plus, honestly, his ability to stay on the field. Thomas played 10,363 consecutive snaps, a number the Cleveland Browns said they intend to enshrine in their ring of fame.

Teammates and organization leaders all expressed their love of Thomas. “Joe means so much to me both personally and professionally,” Browns coach Hue Jackson said. “Joe has been a pillar of our organization and one of the greatest to put on a Cleveland Browns uniform,” Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said.

Thomas said that while he's hanging up his cleats, he will always be a Cleveland Browns fan at heart. His path to the Football Hall of Fame in Canton is all but assured.

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