Ex-NFL star Joe Thomas "ready" to return with major role after Browns career
Joe Thomas, who played with the Cleveland Browns for 11 years, has now hinted at a comeback to the team as part of the coaching staff. Despite retiring in 2018, the ex-offensive tackle has remained close to the game with his NFL Network analyst role and his podcast, "The ThomaHawk Show."
In November 8's episode of "Up & Adams," talking about his wish to take up coaching roles, Thomas discussed his foray into this field with his son’s flag football team.
“We’re the defending champions in the second and third grade,” Thomas quipped.
He added:
“I’m really pumped about my role as offensive coordinator.”
In response to this, Kay quickly put forward the question of Joe Thomas' potential coaching role in the NFL, where he became 10x Pro Bowl champion.
“I’m ready. I’ll just go right from third grade to head coaching, I think," Thomas responded with a laugh.
That said, during his playing years, Joe Thomas managed to leave behind a legacy, despite Cleveland Browns' lacklustre performances. Therefore, if he makes a comeback in Cleveland as a coach, and shows similar level of loyalty and skill, it would be a great opportunity for the team to regain their glory days.
Joe Thomas' “shot-put” technique became his signature style
For Joe Thomas, pass blocking was an art. Long before he made a mark in the NFL, he knew the movements and precise timing to pull off his signature move on the line — the swift 'glide' kick-back. It was one of the two methods used by shot-putters.
FYI, the glide was not solely about speed. It meant taking control of the play even before it began.
Thomas' skills were spot on, so much so that even NFL's best defenders lost rhythm – something which the OT called “winning the set.”
In his words, “If I beat you on the set, you can't win.”
Besides, over time, Thomas became a reliable team player in the Browns by earning 6x First-team All-Pro selections, over 10,000 consecutive snaps and 10× Pro Bowl nods consecutively.
Recognizing all those milestones, Thomas was finally inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023 in his first year of eligibility.