On Wednesday, Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas announced his retirment from the NFL.
Thomas made the announcement of his retirement Wednesday afternoon, just two hours before the new league year was set to begin.
I am humbled by the amount of people who have reached out and all kind things people have been saying. Thank you to everyone who has shown me support during this incredible 11 year journey! Go Browns!!!
— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) March 14, 2018The presumed future Hall of Fame left tackle played 10,363 consecutive snaps over 11 seasons since being selected third overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. The streak that spanned 167 consecutive games, is believed to be the longest consecutive snaps streak in NFL history.
Here's how current and former players reacted to the news on Twitter on Wednesday.
Salute to a great football warrior-- #dawgs #nfl #retirement #ringofhonor #HOF -- https://t.co/mRLbFho7ad
— Josh Cribbs (@JoshCribbs16) March 14, 2018@joethomas73.. dang gonna miss having you around the building.. but you better be ready for that call every Saturday going over how to kick the opponent’s LT’s A$$! #cantonbound
— Jurassic Myles-- (@MylesLGarrett) March 14, 2018What an honor to be by your side brother #JoeThomas pic.twitter.com/Cq1qKhkM3Y
— Christian Kirksey (@Kirko58) March 14, 2018Canton bound! Been an honor being your teammate and friend... #legend https://t.co/7IXPPerrW4
— Emmanuel Ogbah (@EmanOgbah) March 14, 2018Helleva career @joethomas73!!! Next stop Canton for you brother!! -- https://t.co/QtoT0DKUwP
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 14, 2018@joethomas73 legend bro!!!!! What a career. One of the best guys I have ever come across..... https://t.co/r7YNPmHmS0
— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) March 14, 2018“It’s been an amazing ride for the last 11 years.”A message from @joethomas73 to the fans:#ThankYou73 pic.twitter.com/ukOEzQcUhw
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 14, 2018------(J-Mac) https://t.co/GeRMmYTd5f
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) March 14, 2018See you in Canton, @joethomas73#ThankYou73 pic.twitter.com/73seeH1IcN
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 14, 2018If it were perfect, the Browns would be Champions. But careers aren’t always that way. For 10,363 consecutive snaps, Joe Thomas was as close to perfect as a player could be. The gold standard at his position, and the only reliable thing for an unreliable franchise.
— Ken Carman (@KenCarman) March 14, 2018Not many offensive lineman retire and get pencilled into Canton 5 years from reitirment. @joethomas73 will walk into Canton on the first ballot. Not sure he’s been fully appreciated because he didn’t win in Cleveland
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) March 14, 2018Salute! @joethomas73
— Marquette King (@MarquetteKing) March 14, 2018Congrats to @joethomas73, who taught me how to play Tackle and be a pro. I would not be where I am today without his teachings, wisdom, patience, and friendship. He made it hard to leave Cleveland, and I’ll always remember his off-field qualities far more than his play. Thank you pic.twitter.com/jLuDPEmD5L
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz72) March 14, 2018It was a TRUE HONOR to have @joethomas73 as a teammate for 7 years! I honestly looked up to your work ethic and how you were the same person Everday! No matter record.Congrats on a hall of FAME career!! #1stballot
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) March 14, 2018When I was a rookie playing LT I used to try to mimic @joethomas73 stance and technique because he made it look so easy. I found out real quick that LT was hard as hell and wasn’t for me. Congrats on a HOF career big guy. --
— TJ Lang (@TJLang70) March 14, 2018Love reading all this O-line love today!!“Consistency is truest measure of success!” Your play was at the highest level for 10k+ snaps brother!Congrats @joethomas73It was an honor my friend.
— Andrew Whitworth (@awhitworth77) March 14, 2018@joethomas73 incredible career, second to none. Enjoyed watching you all these years brother. 1st ballot guy! #NoBadDays #HOFer
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) March 14, 2018@joethomas73 appreciate your heart towards the game man year after year. Enjoy your time off GOAT you deserve it #---- #BadgerBros #--
— F L ⚡️ S H (@Melvingordon25) March 14, 2018@joethomas73 congrats Joe on your amazing career!!!
— Terrelle Pryor SR (@TerrellePryor) March 14, 2018It was an honor Joe, congrats on a hall of fame career & blessings moving forward. You earned it https://t.co/pZYrTr2V1p
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 14, 2018First Ballot HOF, Technician, Ironman. What a career! Set the bar for Left Tackles. Salute sir enjoy your next journey @joethomas73
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) March 14, 2018
