Zach Thomas

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Zach Thomas
Pampa (TX)
College:Texas Tech (1992–1995)
NFL draft:1996 / Round: 5 / Pick: 154
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:184
Touchdowns:
4
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Zachary Michael Thomas (born September 1, 1973) is an American former professional

unanimous All-American. He was selected in the fifth round, 22nd pick (154th overall), in the 1996 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins, and played for the Dolphins in his first 12 seasons in the NFL, before playing his 13th and final season with the Dallas Cowboys
.

In his rookie year in 1996, Thomas was voted the Dolphins Team Newcomer of the Year, and also won his first of two Dolphins Team MVP awards (1996, 2001). He was also named the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1996. Thomas was also the first Dolphins player to win the Dolphins Team Leadership Award (voted by his teammates) a record three times (1998-1999, 2005), until Jason Taylor surpassed him with four (2002, 2006-2007, 2009). [1]

From 1998-2006, Thomas led a defensive unit that finished top 10 in total defense in seven consecutive seasons (1998-2004), and in eight out of nine (2006). In five of those nine seasons (1998, 2000, 2002-2003, 2006), Thomas' defenses finished top five in total scoring defense, including 1st overall in 1998.[2][3]

Thomas is also known for his longevity with the Dolphins, and currently is 2nd all time in Dolphins history for most games played by a defensive player in the team's history with 168, behind Taylor's 204.

NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
.

In 2006, Thomas was inducted into the Texas Tech Athletics Hall of Fame, and would later be enshrined into the Texas Tech Red Raiders Ring of Honor in 2016. In 2015, Thomas was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. In 2012, Thomas was enshrined into the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll, and on February 9, 2023, in his 10th year of eligibility and in his 4th straight year being a finalist, Zach Thomas was elected as a member to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

Early years

Thomas was born in

Pampa High School in his junior year. He was a standout high school football player and was named a first-team all-state selection as a senior. Thomas and his older brother, Bart, were high school teammates at White Deer High School in White Deer, Texas
; in 1988, Thomas' freshman year, the White Deer team went 16–0 and won the Class 1A state championship.

College career

Thomas attended

Georgia in his senior season.[7]
Thomas and his brother Bart were the only pair of brothers to be named first-team All-Southwest Conference selections in the same year.

Thomas' most memorable and infamous college game for Texas Tech, occurred on October 7, 1995, against rival Texas A&M University. Texas A&M entered the game riding a five game winning streak against Texas Tech dating back to 1990. In a defensive 7-7 tie ballgame heading late into the 4th quarter, Thomas intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown with :34 seconds remaining, helping Texas Tech snap their five game losing streak to Texas A&M, winning by a final score of 14–7. Thomas finished the game with 12 combined tackles, one fumble recovery, and the game-clinching interception return for a touchdown.

Thomas was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.[8]

College awards and honors

  • Second-team Houston Chronicle All-SWC (1993)
  • Second-team Houston Post All-SWC (1993)
  • First-team UPI All-American (1994)
  • Second-team Football News All-American (1994)
  • Second-team
    Sporting News
    All-American (1994)
  • 2× SWC Defensive Player of the Year (1994, 1995)
  • Unanimous first-team All-American (1995)
  • First-team All-SWC (1995)
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • Texas Tech Hall Of Fame

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split
20-yard shuttle
Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 11 in
(1.80 m)
233 lb
(106 kg)
30+58 in
(0.78 m)
9+14 in
(0.23 m)
4.85 s 1.67 s 2.77 s 4.24 s 28.5 in
(0.72 m)
8 ft 8 in
(2.64 m)
20 reps
All values from NFL Combine[9]

Thomas attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, but had a performance that was described as lousy and included a 28.5" vertical jump.[10] Miami Dolphins' special teams coordinator, Mike Westhoff, was sent to Texas by the Dolphins to meet with Thomas and scout him for their special teams unit.[11] Thomas was considered to be too small and not fast or athletic enough to play at the professional level according to scouts and draft experts.[12]

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins selected Thomas in the fifth round (154th overall) of the 1996 NFL draft.[13] Thomas was the 18th linebacker drafted in a linebacker class that included Ray Lewis, Tedy Bruschi, Donnie Edwards, and Kevin Hardy.[14] Thomas was the second linebacker the Dolphins drafted in 1996, joining their fourth round pick Baylor linebacker LaCurtis Jones (126th overall).[12] Thomas was initially drafted to join special teams after the Miami Dolphins' special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff recommended him to head coach Jimmy Johnson.[11]

Zach Thomas during his tenure with the Dolphins

The bottom line is that Zach Thomas was making plays. He has quickness, he's an instinctive player, and he makes plays ... Jack Del Rio would still be here and still be our starter were it not for the play of Zach Thomas.

Jimmy Johnson (1996)

1996

On July 3, 1996, the Miami Dolphins signed Thomas to a three-year, $577,000 contract at the league minimum.[15] He impressed the Dolphins' coaching staff during training camp and quickly rose up the depth chart to compete for the job as the starting middle linebacker against Jack Del Rio. Head coach Jimmy Johnson officially named Thomas the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season. On August 3, 1996, the Miami Dolphins subsequently released Del Rio due to the sudden emergence of Thomas.[16][17]

He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the

Houston Oilers in Week 12. Thomas intercepted a pass by Oilers' quarterback Chris Chandler, that was intended for tight end Frank Wycheck, and returned it for a 26-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.[21] Thomas finished his rookie season in 1996 with 153 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks, while starting all 16 games.[22] Thomas was a 1997 Pro Bowl
alternate and an All-Rookie selection in 1996.

1997

On August 4, 1997, Thomas sustained a fractured

Chicago Bears in Week 9.[26] He finished the 1997 season with a total of 127 combined tackles, an interception, and was credited with half a sack in 15 games and 15 starts.[22]

The

New England Patriots won the AFC Wildcard Game.[27]

1998

Thomas was retained as the starting middle linebacker for the third consecutive season and started alongside outside linebackers Robert Jones and Derrick Rodgers.[28]

On September 20, 1998, Thomas recorded eight combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown during a 21–0 win against the

Oakland Raiders.[30] Thomas intercepted two pass attempts by quarterback Donald Hollas.[31] He started in all 16 games in 1998 and recorded 133 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks.[22]
Thomas was first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career as the Dolphins defense allowed the fewest points in the NFL.

The Miami Dolphins finished second in the AFC East with a 10–6 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 2, 1999, Thomas recorded eight combined tackles during a 24–17 win against the

Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round 38–3.[32]

1999

On February 13, 1999, the Miami Dolphins signed Thomas to a five-year, $22.50 million contract that included a signing bonus of $4.50 million.

San Diego Chargers. He started in all 16 games in 1999 and recorded 132 combined tackles, a sack, and an interception.[35] Thomas was selected to the 2000 Pro Bowl
, marking the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.

The

Jacksonville Jaguars
in the AFC Divisional Round.

2000

On January 17, 2000, head coach Jimmy Johnson announced his decision to step down as head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

New York Jets the previous week.[39] He finished the 2000 season with 99 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception in 11 games and 11 starts.[22]

2001

Defensive coordinator Jim Bates retained Thomas as the starting middle linebacker. He started alongside Twan Russell and Derrick Rodgers to begin the 2001 regular season.[40]

He started in the

Buffalo Bills as they had already clinched a playoff berth. Thomas was also selected to play in the 2002 Pro Bowl
.

The Miami Dolphins finished second in the AFC East in 2001 with an 11–5 record. On January 13, 2002, Thomas recorded 22 combined tackles (14 solo) during the Dolphins' 20–3 loss against the

Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wildcard Game.[41]

2002

Thomas returned as the starting middle linebacker under head coach Dave Wannstedt and started alongside outside linebackers Derrick Rodgers and

New England Patriots in Week 17.[45] He started in all 16 games in 2002 and recorded 156 combined tackles (101 solo), two pass deflections, an interception, and was credited with half a sack.[43]

2003

On March 27, 2003, the Miami Dolphins signed Thomas to a five-year, $33.75 million contract extension that included a signing bonus of $10.50 million. The agreement kept him under contract with Miami through 2008.[46][47]

On November 2, 2003, Thomas collected a season-high 19 combined tackles (12 solo) in the Dolphins' 23–17 loss to the

Dallas Cowboys in Week 13. Thomas intercepted a pass by Cowboys' quarterback Quincy Carter, that was intended for wide receiver Terry Glenn, in the fourth quarter.[50] He finished the 2002 season
with 152 combined tackles (84 solo), six pass deflections, three interceptions, and a sack in 15 games and 15 starts.[43] Thomas was selected to play in the 2004 Pro Bowl and earned his fifth All-Pro selection in six years.

2004

Thomas started alongside Morlon Greenwood and

Cleveland Browns in Week 16.[54] He finished the 2004 NFL season with 145 combined tackles (85 solo), four pass deflections, and two sacks in 13 games and 13 starts.[43]
The Miami Dolphins finished with a disappointing record of 4–12 and the remaining coaching staff was fired after the season.

2005

Head coach Nick Saban retained Thomas as the starting middle linebacker in 2005. Thomas started the 2005 season alongside outside linebackers Channing Crowder and Junior Seau.[55] He also played under defensive coordinator Richard Smith and linebackers coach George Edwards.

In Week 3, he collected a season-high 16 combined tackles (nine solo), broke up a pass, and made a sack during a 27–24 win against the

San Diego Chargers 23–21 in Week 15.[57] On December 19, 2005, it was announced that Thomas was selected to play in the 2006 Pro Bowl, marking his seventh Pro Bowl selection of his career.[58]
He tied for the third most Pro Bowl appearances in club history; this is also the record for most Pro Bowl selections among all defensive players in the Dolphins' franchise history. Thomas finished his tenth season in 2005 with 158 combined tackles (104 solo), three pass deflections, two sacks, and two interceptions in 14 games and 14 starts.[43]

2006

On January 23, 2006, the Miami Dolphins hired former

Houston Texans' head coach Dom Capers as their new defensive coordinator. Capers opted to retain Thomas as the starting middle linebacker and named Channing Crowder and Donnie Spragan the starting outside linebackers.[59]

In Week 11, he collected 17 combined tackles (four solo) in a 24–20 victory against the

Buffalo Bills in Week 15.[61] On December 20, 2006, Thomas was selected to play in the 2007 Pro Bowl as part of the AFC Roster.[62] Thomas started all 16 games in 2006 and recorded a career-high 165 combined tackles (103 solo), nine passes defensed, three sacks, and an interception.[43]

2007

On January 3, 2007, Miami Dolphins' head coach

San Diego Chargers' offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. Cameron retained Dom Capers as the defensive coordinator and George Edwards as the linebackers coach. Thomas remained the starting middle linebacker, alongside outside linebackers Channing Crowder and Joey Porter.[64]

He started in the

Washington Redskins
and collected a season-high 13 combined tackles (nine solo) and made one sack in their 16–13 loss. On September 16, 2007, Thomas recorded ten combined tackles and broke up two passes before exiting the game due to a concussion he suffered while tackling Cowboys'
Dallas Cowboys
. His concussion rendered him inactive for the next two games (Weeks 3–4). On October 21, 2007, Thomas was involved in a car collision and sustained another concussion during the accident. His repeated concussions caused Thomas to have migraine headaches that lingered until being placed on the
injured reserve list.[65] On December 4, 2007, the Miami Dolphins officially placed Thomas on injured reserve after he missed five games (Weeks 8–13) due to his repeated migraine headaches.[66] On December 20, 2007, the Miami Dolphins hired Bill Parcells as their head of football operations.[67] Thomas finished the 2007 season with 52 combined tackles (42 solo), two pass deflections, and a sack in five games and five starts.[43]

2008

On January 1, 2008, the Miami Dolphins fired head coach Cam Cameron after a 1–15 record.[68] On February 14, 2008, the Miami Dolphins released Thomas after announcing that he no longer fit into their long term plans and his contract was terminated.[69] Thomas received offers from the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots.

Dallas Cowboys

On February 23, 2008, the

Washington Redskins.[73] He finished the season with 94 combined tackles (65 solo), three pass deflections, and a sack in 16 games and 14 starts.[43]

Kansas City Chiefs

An

unrestricted free agent in the 2009 offseason, Thomas agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs on April 11.[74] The one-year contract was worth $2 million.[75]

He suffered a concussion early in training camp and was eventually released on September 5, after not playing in any exhibition games.[76] In October, he filed a grievance against the Chiefs for releasing him without an injury settlement while recovering.[77]

Retirement

External videos
video icon Zach Thomas' Retirement Press Conference

On May 18, 2010, the Miami Dolphins signed Thomas to a one-day ceremonial contract, officially worth $1, in order to retire as a member of the Miami Dolphins.

Awards and honors

Thomas (right) with agent Drew Rosenhaus

In addition to being a seven-time All-Pro selection by the Associated Press and a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Thomas earned the following awards and honors in his NFL career:

  • NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month (October 1996)
  • All-Rookie selection by College & Pro Football Newsweekly, The Football News, Pro Football Weekly and Pro Football Writers of America (1996)
  • AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year (1996)
  • Dolphins' 1996 Unsung Hero Award as selected by NFLPA
  • Dolphins MVP and Newcomer of the Year by South Florida media (1996)
  • AFC Defensive Player of the Month (September 1998)
  • 2× NFL Alumni Association's Linebacker of the Year (1998, 2006)
  • First-team All-Pro selection by the USA Today, College & Pro Football Newsweekly and Football Digest (1998)
  • 1998 All-Madden Team (1998)
  • 3× Dolphins' Leadership Award (1998, 1999, 2005)
  • Weeks 1 & 16 2001 AFC Defensive Player of the Week (2001)
  • Dolphins MVP by South Florida media and fans (2001)
  • All-Iron Team as selected by CBS analyst Phil Simms (2001)
  • PFWA Dolphins Chapter "Good Guy" Award (2001)
  • First-team Pro Football Weekly All-AFC (2002)
  • First-team Sports Illustrated All-Pro (2003)
  • Second-team Football Digest All-Pro (2003)
  • Week 14 AFC Defensive Player of the Week (2005)
  • All-AFC selection by Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers of America (2006)
  • Only two linebackers currently in the Hall of Fame have more combined tackles. Ray Lewis (2,061) and Junior Seau (1,846).

In 2006, Zach Thomas was inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame. In 2015, Thomas was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the following year in 2016, was inducted into the Texas Tech Red Raiders Ring of Honor.

Zach Thomas' Hall of Fame Bronze Bust

In 2012, Thomas was inducted into the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll alongside his teammate Jason Taylor. Thomas became eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame beginning in 2014, and would become a semi-finalist for the first time in 2019. He would then reach being a finalist for election the next three years from 2020 to 2022. After being a finalist for a 4th consecutive year in his 10th overall year of eligibility, on February 9, 2023, Zach Thomas was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

NFL career statistics

Legend
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck Int Yds TD PD FF FR Yds TD
1996 MIA 16 16 154 120 34 2.0 3 64 1 5 2 2 7 0
1997 MIA 15 15 128 78 50 0.5 1 10 0 8 2 0 0 0
1998 MIA 16 16 137 86 51 2.0 3 21 2 7 2 0 0 0
1999 MIA 16 16 134 85 49 1.0 1 0 0 9 1 0 0 0
2000 MIA 11 11 99 56 43 1.5 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0
2001 MIA 15 15 155 95 60 3.0 2 51 1 4 2 0 0 0
2002 MIA 16 16 156 100 56 0.5 1 7 0 4 0 1 22 0
2003 MIA 15 15 153 85 68 1.0 3 21 0 10 1 2 0 0
2004 MIA 13 13 145 85 60 2.0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0
2005 MIA 14 14 162 107 55 2.0 1 0 0 3 4 1 0 0
2006 MIA 16 16 165 103 62 3.0 1 -4 0 8 2 0 0 0
2007 MIA 5 5 52 42 10 1.0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0
2008 DAL 16 14 94 65 29 1.0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0
Career[5] 184 182 1,734 1,107 627 20.5 17 170 4 68 16 8 29 0

Personal life

Thomas was raised in Pampa, Texas by his parents, Steve and Bobby Thomas. He has an older brother, Bart Thomas, and younger sister, Katina Thomas. Katina was married to Thomas' Dolphins' teammate, Jason Taylor, from 2000 to 2015 and has three children with him.[78] Katina filed for divorce on January 25, 2015, and it was officially finalized on February 10, 2015.[79] Thomas' father, Steve Thomas, is the builder and proprietor of the second largest cross in the Western Hemisphere, located in Groom, Texas.[80] Thomas is married to Maritza Thomas.

For the first three-years of his career Thomas earned the league minimum and lived with teammate Larry Izzo.

References

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External links