Joe Thomas enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Former Browns LT Joe Thomas enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame CANTON — Former Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas finally made it to his own, personal Super Bowl on Saturday, but instead of the Lombardi Trophy, he earned a Gold Jacket and a bronze bust. The Browns' beloved 11-year veteran and 10-time Pro Bowler, Thomas was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at Tom Benson Stadium along with eight others in the Class of 2023. They were linebacker Zach Thomas, linebacker DeMarcus Ware, cornerback Darrelle Revis, cornerback Ronde Barber, coach Don Coryell (deceased), linebacker Chuck Howley, defensive lineman Joe Klecko and cornerback Ken Riley (deceased). Thomas was only the seventh modern era finalist to be enshrined in his first year of eligibility. His wife, Annie, and their four children — Logan 10, Camryn 8, Jack 7, Reese 4 — presented him for enshrinement, with Thomas telling cleveland.com recently that they are his team now. He wouldn't have had it any other way. "Annie, you are my rock," Thomas said. "Your support is unshakable, and I would not be here without you. You've lived through the losses, the injuries, the new coaches, the times when I was too worn out to even speak or lift my head. You've been my generous and understanding soul mate, and the best mother our four kids could ever have. And I'm just grateful that they look like you, and not like an offensive lineman." The kids and Annie taped their presentation ahead of time, which was a relief to Thomas. Earlier that day, Jack, a diehard Browns fan, enthusiastically gave the thumbs down to all of the Steelers fans along the Hall of Fame parade route. "To Logan, Camryn, Jack and Reese," Thomas said. "Do you remember eating peanuts off the concrete floor in Cleveland Browns' stadium? I know your mom remembers! You were all such a blessing to me during my career. I would come home after a tough day and you would be there with smiles on your faces, just wanting to hang out with daddy. And you continue to bring so much joy, happiness and purpose to my life." With hundreds of Browns fans clad in orange and brown and barking from the stands, Thomas delivered a heartfelt 20-minute minute speech and received a standing ovation. Among those in attendance were Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez, former Browns general manager Phil Savage, Browns guard Joel Bitonio, long snapper Charley Hughlett, current team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, head coach Kevin Stefanski, and GM Andrew Berry. After thanking Annie and the kids, Thomas led with his proudest accomplishment on the field: his 10,363 snap steak, the longest in NFL history. He never missed a snap, and the streak only came to a halt because of a career-ending torn triceps on Oct. 22, 2017. "From my first snap as a rookie in 2007 to my last snap when I tore my triceps tendon, that's how long this journey has been," Thomas said. "Now, that number 10,363 is special to me—and not just because it's an NFL record, but because it shows that I was there for my brothers 10,363 times in a row. They could count on me. Loyalty, consistency, doing something bigger than yourself, showing up for someone else." Thomas thanked all of the important people in his life, including his parents, Eric and Sally. "Dad, I watched you go to work every day, no matter what," Thomas said, getting emotional. "Once when I was knee high to a grasshopper, I remember you strapping cross country skis to your feet to get to work in a snowstorm. "I didn't then know the quote, 'availability is the most important ability, but I learned those values from you buddy! And I took that lesson with me every time I stepped onto the football field. Thank you for your love, and for the example you set for me." He said his mom taught him to always strive for perfection. "Growing up I had to do my homework and chores before I could go outside and play," he said. "You grounded me when I got a C in 7th grade algebra (it was actually a C+!). I didn't like it then, but I'm grateful now. "I tried to be perfect every single snap on the football field because of the principles that you taught me." He also thanked his cherished Browns fans. "To the great city of Cleveland, you guys understood me from Day 1," he said. "I felt like I was home from the moment I stepped off the plane still stinking like fish guts." He was referring, of course, to the fact he went fishing on draft day in 2007 when Savage drafted him No. 3 overall. He might have been gone fishin' that day, but now he's here to stay.