Joe Thomas Sends Heartfelt Message To Fans Before Entering Hall
Class of 2023 enshrinee Joe Thomas answers a question at the Pro Football Hall of Fame during a visit to Canton, Monday, March 6, 2023. Hof Visits Joe Thomas 21
On Saturday, Cleveland legend Joe Thomas will take his rightful place next to 17 other members of the Browns’ organization as an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Thomas, a rare breed, spent every moment of his entire career with a single NFL franchise. The former first-round pick out of Wisconsin started 167 games for the Browns on his way to earning 10 Pro Bowl appearances, six all-Pro selections, and a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
As much as Thomas means to the city of Cleveland, the fans seem to mean just as much to the superstar. Appearing on ESPN radio in Cleveland, Thomas sent out a heartfelt message to the Browns faithful:
“I want to express the gratitude that I have for Cleveland Browns fans, for Northeast Ohio, and everything that they’ve meant to me and the motivation that they gave me during my career to be at my best so that I can stand up there, like I’m going to do on Saturday, and be a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2023 class.”
The big tackle has never been shy about his love for the city and their dedicated fanbase throughout the years.
“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,” Thomas said when addressing his retirement in a 2018 release, via SB Nation. “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 will enter the Hall alongside former Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, former Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware, former New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, and five other inductees in the Class of 2023.
Saturday will be a wonderful moment for Thomas, his family, and all the fans who believe he truly embodies the best of what Browns football stands for.
Joe Thomas was in disbelief when he found out he earned a place in Canton. ❤️ @joethomas73
📺: #PFHOF23 Enshrinement — Saturday 12pm ET on @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/VylB1oCiyp
— NFL (@NFL) August 1, 2023
Up Next