I got wind of it from a bunch of people because I knew everyone in the building, you know? The defensive duo combined for 13 Pro Bowl selections during their But it worked out.. Thomas will be enshrined along with the other members of the Class of 2023: cornerback/safety Ronde Barber, coach Don Coryell, linebacker Chuck Howley, defensive end/defensive tackle/nose tackle Joe Klecko, cornerback Darrelle Revis, cornerback Ken Riley, offensive tackle Joe Thomas and linebacker/defensive end DeMarcus Ware. When asked about whether Thomas belonged in the Hall of Fame he had this to say, Theres a handful of guys that I played with that are elite status as far as players, people, competitors, teammates, and Zach Thomas is No. Yes, life has changed for Thomas since he stopped playing in 2009. The conversation got far enough along that Belichick told Thomas he probably wouldnt be able to take Tedy Bruschis jersey number 54, the one Thomas wore in Miami. He hadnt even earned my respect at that point. The somber thoughts often drifted into Jason Taylor's mind as he friend and brother-in-law Zach Thomas. Absolutely.. Im looking forward to celebrating this with all of you. Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached athhabib@pbpost.com and followed on Twitter@gunnerhal. Jenna and Zach married in 2021 and welcomed a baby boy together. Hes one of those guys that never got the respect he deserved, never got the attention he deserves. He wasnt demonstrative, but Zach Thomas was top of the tree good a true great at his position. But I definitely dont want to disrespect the game by thinking I deserve any of it. The Dolphins that year were 9-7 and did not make the playoffs. Thats humbling, Thomas said. At some point they need more, Grading the Miami Dolphins roster and what that might mean for 2021 regular season, Armando Salguero farewell: It was never about me, it was always for you. Recently, there has been a shroud of mystery over the current status of Zachary Todd and Alexandra Terans relationship. This is about individual recognition. Zach certainly has the stats. He is adamant that Zach Thomas should be in the hall as well, as are most of Thomas former teammates. Armando Salguero has covered the Miami Dolphins and the NFL since 1990, so longer than many players on the current roster have been alive and since many coaches on the team were in middle school. "You cant take me out.". Zach made 182 starts over his 13 season career whilst Urlacher made 180 over his 13 year career. And that was him exploding into tackles a whopping 1,734 of them before anyone got the better of him. The endless waves rolling in behind their beachfront home are a hypnotizing sound track in the background. This is when Maritza and I were still dating and shes like, Were moving to Green Bay? And it didnt go through. Yeah, no one knew that until now but it happened in 2005. | NFL Draft 2023, Top 5 Quarterback Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 Tight Ends Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 Safety Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 Cornerback Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 Linebacker Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 OT Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 IOL Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Free Agency Highlights & Your Draft Questions Answered. In fact, he hadn't thought of it even after Hall voters gathered for their annual conference to select honorees. The 2021 Miami Dolphins? Those children, his marriage, are his job. I believe in that stuff. To me, is he a Hall of Famer? Thomas defensive partner and former brother-in-law, Jason Taylor, was elected a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2017. Youre rebuilding. And even months later when they called to bring him back, Thomas was still not recovered. He and Zach had significant cultural differences because Lozanos first home in the United States was in Queens, New York, and he was a New York Jets fan. Thomas playing from 1996-2008 & Urlacher from 2000-2012. Im the leader of this defense, man., Im good with being called out, thats fine. The same year Thomas had 162 tackles (13 for a loss), 3 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 2 sacks. 54 in Miami. The honor comes in Thomas' fourth year as a Hall finalist. They were trying to get Javon Walker. Urlacher put in 315 assists on tackles (1.73 per game), Thomas had 627 career assists (3.4 per game). About Katina Thomas is an American TV News. I would always say no, but I said, Im coming with you. So we would have never met if Junior hadnt brought me out. Zach was there with offensive tackle Todd Wade. And it was something of a mistake because Wade Phillips was running a defense that was totally foreign to him. Opponent and team-mate are in agreement and that theme of being overlooked is there again. A lot of Hall of Fame voting can come down to statistics. "It was powerful. I didnt know anything about football, Maritza says. And out of those games and the each players competitive spirit was forged a mutual respect so strong that when Mawae was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year, he used his acceptance speech to state Thomas also belonged in the Hall. I feel hes very unselfish because of all the things he could be doing, he chooses to be part of our lives and loves being at the kids sporting events and activities. But Johnson immediately knew he had something special in the new kid. 1 on that list., He made everybody that played with him better. It would mean a lot because Im still that small-talent kid with big dreams that never could imagine it, Thomas said when he was a first-time finalist in 2020. 2021 Ninety-Nine Yards: American Football, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Why Zach Thomas belongs in the Hall of Fame. And many highlights, Adam Shaheen speaks about not getting vaccinated as Dolphins respect player choice. Why Steve Hutchinson belongs in the Hall of Fame - Ninety-Nine Yards: American Football, Why Tony Boselli belongs in the Hall of Fame - Ninety-Nine Yards: American Football, 2023 Final NFL Mock Draft Live - Texans Pass On QB! Or he was my favorite player. . In 12 seasons with the Dolphins, Thomas made seven Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams. Were eating and Nick asks me what I think of Kevin, Thomas says. And for me, I pretty much used that as, well, Im different. And Im right in front of my defense. Thomas signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys in 2008 and owner Jerry Jones asked him to sign for another year when that season ended, but Thomas told him he needed to get back to a system he felt more familiar playing. Jimmy Johnson came to me and was like, Zach, were starting you. Hes the man. If youre grading my play, I was figuring it out so it was hard to sit out. He was one of the most reliable and consistent facets of the team during that whole period. Thank you to all of my teammates. Former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas, who made a career out of stonewalling running backs with thunderous hits, made the loudest noise of all Thursday night by being named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I look up and I could tell Peyton was wondering howd you know? , Peyton was the best in the business. Contribute Who is Katina Thomas dating? She graduated Nova Southeastern University with a doctorate in Pharmacy degree but she never was a huge football fan, especially not in 2003 when she and Thomas met. His relationship with Zach Thomas, however, might be the one that made the deepest impact on Jason, both professionally and personally. And they decided it was time for Thomas and the Dolphins to go their separate ways. That was going to be my title for this piece. Start with the time Nick Saban wanted to trade Zach Thomas. For me, man, its always about respect. Between 1996 & 2008 they won two division titles. Thomas had not received much attention as a free agent before that visit. God bless, Tua Tagovailoa throws interception. That first meeting happened at the Roundup Country Western nightclub in Davie. I feel like Zachs focus now is being a great father and husband. Thats his goal right now and any goal he has he goes all the way. The following season the Dolphins had a new administration in charge again. I guess when I came home and told my brothers, I said, This football player was asking for my number. And they asked, who and I told them Zach Thomas. So before every game I would tell the ref, This is the most holdingest center in the league. And he heard about it, and before the next game he sent me a Xerox copy of his hands.. So for me, even in my early years, I knew every one of the 17 linebackers that went ahead of me. To where? And they told me it was to Green Bay. And Im going to be here when you get here to work and Im going to be here when you leave. The Saints soon wanted Thomas, and in retrospect Thomas admits not going there is one of my few regrets.. The other Dolphins in the Hall are coach Don Shula; quarterbacks Bob Griese and Dan Marino; centers Jim Langer and Dwight Stephenson; fullback Larry Csonka; guard Larry Little; and receiver Paul Warfield. Thats different than some recent Dolphins teams, including the ones who produced good moments and the ones that disappointed. The Bears that year were 11-5. Here are the 17 linebackers drafted ahead of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas in 1996. I teach my kids to be grateful for everything they do and get. He wanted to rip into somebody. Thomas played only five games in that wasteland of a season. fl-miami-dolphins-1010B - Retired Miami Dolphins linebackers Jason Taylor, left, and Zach Thomas, right, entered the Dolphins Ring of Honor on Tuesday, October 9, 2012. So in 2009, Thomas signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Thomas went to Dallas instead. I felt bad for a while because I thought that was a reason he didnt sign with us at the time, Thomas says, But Kevin told me the Dolphins didnt offer him a contract, and thats the reason he didnt sign.. So now Im in his head. And the truck behind us didnt even hit their brakes before they hit us. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. While Thomas said he would remain patient through the process, insisting the game didn't owe him anything, his fans voiced louder objections with each passing year, pointing out that many of his statistics surpassed those of linebackers already enshrined. He was the archetypal character that NFL commentators love to label a Bring his own lunch-pail to work guy. It was all just for motivation.. And I said, No disrespect, but there are so many other guys who have already gone home. He has covered 25 Super Bowls, the NBA Finals, and the Olympics. WebHe actually drafted and coached Zach, Jason Taylor, Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain during his tenure as Miamis head coach. And maybe I should have bit my tongue, but thats just not me.. Ninety-Nine Yards launched in 2018 and covers all aspects of the American football. Bill Parcells took the reins of the team, along with head coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland. But as agent Drew Rosenhaus predicted to Thomas, if Belichick made him an offer, others would follow suit. And on the first play of the first inside drill of 2009 training camp, Thomas blew up the lead fullback and sustained another concussion and he could not practice or play. They would go on to have quite similar career numbers (more below) but one was feted much more than the other. But the Hall of Famer whom Thomas will forever be most associated with is defensive end Jason Taylor. As I noted above this is about individual recognition and Zach Thomas deserves to be recongised as equal to his peers the ones regarded as Hall of Fame worthy from his era. I didnt know he was a starter. And thats the stuff I miss. With Thomas leading the way with major contributions from Taylor obviously the Dolphins defense finished in the top 10 in fewest yards allowed an I knew right then I was going to have issues when the symptoms kicked in.. The somber thoughts often drifted into Jason Taylor's mind as he friend and brother-in-law Zach Thomas. As we can see they both forced a fairly even number of turnovers or turnover opportunities all told. The symptom lasted nearly a year. It was a joy to watch him play the game. And if it wasnt a lead draw, Id have been in trouble, but I hit it and made the tackle. Its important, Thomas says as he makes sure Sienna doesnt fall off a table. Zach Thomas was not much of a self-promoter. He was trying to get into my head and it fired me up, Thomas says. That year he had 122 tackles, (17 for loss), 5 passes defended 1 forced fumble, no interceptions and 6 sacks. Obviously I think (know) that Zach Thomas should be in the Hall of Fame. The battles were epic. Then theres the issue of the Dolphins during Thomas time there. He starts, Zach, Im trying to make a point to get it to the team, Thomas recalls. Maritza, of Colombian descent, went home to a family that was lukewarm on Thomas. It certainly wasnt that way when Thomas and Saban were yelling at each other during a practice in the fall of 2005. For a while Jason Taylor & Zach Thomas were the beating heart of the Dolphins D. Taylor was enshrined in Canton in 2017. Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Miami area sports - only $1 a month. The more I thought about it though the more ridiculous that seemed. By Armando Salguero He played against the New England Patriots on October 21, 2007, and, yes, the Dolphins lost. But the Hall of Famer whom Thomas will forever be most associated with is defensive end Jason Taylor. Both of them stand 5-foot-11, and both of them know what its like to be underrated. Saban eventually brought Thomas into his office and the two made peace. Im like, Yes, sir. . Thomas was bummed, as he usually was after a loss. Mawae and Thomas, the great center and great linebacker, were rivals. During his induction speech he gave props to Thomas, who he faced 16 times during his 16-year NFL career. Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor will be there for you to meet. But the relationship didnt quite start out with such high appreciation. But I used it all the time in Washington and I still got lost." ZACH THOMAS' HALL OF FAME CREDENTIALS. Maritzas father Guillermo Lozano immigrated from Bogota when he was 19 years old. Theres no greater honor than to get that recognition from an opponent., Thomas later received an endorsement from another Hall of Famer Johnson who tweeted, He deserves to be in HOF!. Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis, Dolphins legend Zach Thomas says handicap as preschooler instilled work ethic, Oops! Thomas talks about how much he loves Saban as a coach and greatly enjoyed playing in his defense. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Jason Taylor deserved better. But it was all love.. Together, they formed the heart and soul of the Dolphins That was stress so much of it that Thomas would get blisters on his lip from the pressure. That was him during with the Dolphins and one season with the Dallas Cowboys, investing 14 hours every day during football season, studying tape coaches didnt dig up, honing his body in ways few players tried (like hyperbaric chamber sessions and Botox treatments for concussions). Zach made 182 starts over his 13 season career whilst Urlacher made 180 over his 13 year career. And two of his most decorated proteges, Bill Belichick in New England and Sean Payton in New Orleans, must have thought that a mistake because they tried to sign Thomas. Wed go play other schools and our best dude (Zach) was better than their best dude by a lot and thats when we started to realize there was just something different about him, said Koby Abney, Thomas Mawae laughed and still laughs at the story to this day. But soon the games old stresses and retirements welcome peace will be locked in a standoff. Taylor was enshrined in 2017. He was routinely putting in 150+ tackles per season at the height of his career. They're just delaying inevitable. 53 instead, which in New England belonged to former teammate and roommate Larry Izzo. And I felt like they mishandled that part. Its a blessing that he can do that.. That was tension. Katina, 42, who happens to be the sister of former Taylor teammate Zach And after retiring from football, we had Christian, we built this house. Now Taylor hopes that his former teammate, Zach Thomas, gets the same good news on Saturday, when the remainder of the 2020 Hall class is determined. If it wasnt for Zach Thomas, I wouldnt be in the Hall of Fame, Taylor told me Wednesday at the Miami Beach Convention Center. But when Taylors choice was announced a few months back, it left more than a few wondering why he didnt pick Zach Thomas his former brother-in-law, close Zach Thomas was my nemesis, Mawae said 22:16 into his 27-minute Hall of Fame speech. Then on the turnpike ride home, with Maritza driving, the couple was rear-ended. On behalf of the entire Dolphins organization and our fans around the world, I want to congratulate Zach on his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said. (No, this isnt going to be a rip job on Cameron, whose 2007 team managed only one victory in 16 games). Their 4-year-old daughter Sienna playfully climbs over the couple as they talk, while 10-year-old Christian and 8-year-old Valentina kick around a soccer ball on the putting-green-quality lawn nearby. The former NFL middle linebacker spent his career smack in the middle of chaos. The problem is Thomas sustained multiple serious concussions that year. But Im not knocking Saban. Thomas was inducted in 2012 into the Dolphin Honor Roll along with Jason Taylor, the other half of the Dolphins' So I just told him Im a grown-[expletive] man and told him to shut the [expletive] up. Who was around in your era and how do you compare to them? He pretty much told me, next time a coach is coaching you, you shut the [expletive] up. This is Zach Thomas life now. Now his former teammate Zach Thomas, who spent 11 seasons with the Dolphins These were guys that did a lot of the dirty work and I would go and clean up and Id get all the credit. But I understood. Saban was mortified. I broke down.". View in 2021:Habib: Hall voters didn't 'rob' Dolphins' Zach Thomas. Anyway, I blitzed myself. Here are the 17 linebackers drafted ahead of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas in 1996, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. And Im grateful to football. And it was another reason to think he better do this somewhere different because there were so many other guys that he drafted that were just lazy that he needed to rip into and never did. In December 2022, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Liliana Marie. Thomas never played again, but he isnt sad and doesnt lament that ending. So for me, wow, man. The games been too good to me.. Thomas had to prove himself every step of the way, even as a linebacker at White Deer High in Pampa, Texas. He instead celebrates the years that came before. Two other numbers have been shadow retired, with Zach Thomas number 54 and Jason Taylors 99 no longer used by the franchise. The 2023 season is the time to finally honor those two players and put their numbers in the same standing as the other legendary numbers. Does Zach Thomas belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Spirit Dungeons Secret Trophies,
St George To Denver Driving,
Birmingham Gold Makers' Marks,
Nh Fish And Game Officers North Woods Law,
Articles A