Is this a ploy to take the smell off the Jason Taylor situation? Maybe. Could they finally really be embracing the past? Maybe. Either way you slice it, this is the right thing to do. The Miami Dolphins will honor what could arguably be, one of the most popular Dolphins in history. Zach Thomas will sign a 1 day contract and retire as a Miami Dolphin. The announcement will come at 4:00PM today.
Thomas joined the Dolphins as a 5th round pick in 1996. Listed at 5'11", 230 lbs (listed size for smaller players are usually exaggerated), most said he was too small to play in the NFL. All he did during his tenure in Miami, was make more tackles than ANY other player, become a 7 time Pro-Bowler, and a 5 time first team All-Pro. He has more tackles than any linebacker in the Hall of Fame.
His rookie season in 1996, perennial Pro-Bowler Jack Del Rio was brought in to man the middle linebacker position. After 1 preseason game, then coach Jimmy Johnson turned to Del Rio and said, "have you ever thought about coaching?" He went on to win AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Anyone who watches football knows the rest. With no regard for his own well being, he played like a mad dog, was the ultimate pro, and one of the best team guys you could ever want. He renegotiated his contract numerous times to make room for more players. For my generation (or for me at least), when I hear Miami Dolphins, I think Dan Marino, and Zach Thomas. No one else, not even Taylor (and no I'm not bitter that he left, in fact I endorse his decision).
Today we get to cheer for him as a Dolphin 1 more time. Look for them to retire his number in a game this year, and induct him to the Ring of Honor. I will be at that game. How about you?
Thomas joined the Dolphins as a 5th round pick in 1996. Listed at 5'11", 230 lbs (listed size for smaller players are usually exaggerated), most said he was too small to play in the NFL. All he did during his tenure in Miami, was make more tackles than ANY other player, become a 7 time Pro-Bowler, and a 5 time first team All-Pro. He has more tackles than any linebacker in the Hall of Fame.
His rookie season in 1996, perennial Pro-Bowler Jack Del Rio was brought in to man the middle linebacker position. After 1 preseason game, then coach Jimmy Johnson turned to Del Rio and said, "have you ever thought about coaching?" He went on to win AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Anyone who watches football knows the rest. With no regard for his own well being, he played like a mad dog, was the ultimate pro, and one of the best team guys you could ever want. He renegotiated his contract numerous times to make room for more players. For my generation (or for me at least), when I hear Miami Dolphins, I think Dan Marino, and Zach Thomas. No one else, not even Taylor (and no I'm not bitter that he left, in fact I endorse his decision).
Today we get to cheer for him as a Dolphin 1 more time. Look for them to retire his number in a game this year, and induct him to the Ring of Honor. I will be at that game. How about you?
