The Haslams said Thomas’ playing streak - the number 10,363 - will be added to the team’s ring of honour at FirstEnergy Stadium this season. We should all strive for the standard Joe has set to always be available, put the team above yourself and always give maximum effort. "We want to thank him for everything he has done for the Browns and the Northeast Ohio community. "Joe has been a pillar of our organization and one of the greatest to put on a Cleveland Browns uniform," said owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam. Jovial with a Midwestern charm, he personified this blue-collar city: loyal, hardworking, reliable.
Thomas was more than just an excellent player. The loss of Thomas, who would have received a $3 million roster bonus on Sunday and had a $10.3 million salary for 2018, leaves a huge hole for the Browns on and off the field. "Even though I will be hanging up my cleats, I will always be a Cleveland Brown." I would like to thank all of the coaches, teammates, staff, fans and everyone who has shown me support throughout my career. The loyalty and passion of Browns fans is unmatched and it was an honour to play in front of them from the past 11 years.
"From the moment I was drafted, the city embraced me in a way that I could never fully describe," Thomas said. And to reflect on a career that will one day lead to his enshrinement in Canton, Ohio. He had been an iron man, football’s version of Cal Ripken.īut the severe injury required surgery and gave Thomas, who had fought through torn knee ligaments, ankle sprains and a sore back to play in recent years, more time to consider the next phase of life. The sight of the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Thomas helplessly sprawled on the ground in pain was shocking to teammates, the Titans and Cleveland fans who had never seen No.