The Cleveland Browns will be missing a familiar face in the locker room this season as left tackle Joe Thomas has announced his retirement after 11 seasons in Cleveland.
He set a deadline a couple of months ago that the start of free agency, he would make a decision on his future. Well he met it would this news that he would not be returning, and now the Browns who have plenty of cap space for a replacement.
Thomas said in a video addressed to the fans of the Browns:
“This was an extremely difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family,” Thomas said, via the team 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.”
“From the moment I was drafted, the city embraced me in a way that I could never fully describe. I am proud to call Cleveland home. The loyalty and passion of the fans is unmatched and it was an honor to play in front of them from the past 11 years. I would like to thank all of the coaches, teammates, staff, fans and everyone who has shown me support throughout my career. Even though I will be hanging up my cleats, I will always be a Cleveland Brown.”
Thomas made 10 pro bowls and he was voted all-pro 6 times. He played a remarkable 10,363 consecutive snaps before a torn triceps injury, put him on IR. It would be the last time he walked off an NFL field.
Cleveland missed out on Nate Solder who signed with the New York Giants, but they signed two tackles in Chris Hubbard and Donald Stephenson. Only problem is they are normally positioned at right tackle.
Thomas' next stop will likely be Canton and maybe he will have a statute outside of Paul Brown stadium.
Comments
Post a Comment