Mawae, who has enormous hands, sent the Xerox to the Dolphins facility in Davie for personal delivery to Thomas. Perhaps Urlacher was better at forcing turnovers? The endless waves rolling in behind their beachfront home are a hypnotizing sound track in the background. And I felt like they mishandled that part. And the truck behind us didnt even hit their brakes before they hit us. Im looking forward to celebrating this with all of you. The symptom lasted nearly a year. Im the leader of this defense, man., Im good with being called out, thats fine. So theyre telling me, Theyre trying to trade you right now.. As great as he was on the field, he is even better as a family man and a role model. Each of you made me a better player and are a big part of where I am today. And soon, Saban came to love the player he initially wanted to trade so much so that the following offseason when the Dolphins were recruiting Pro Bowl center Kevin Mawae as an unrestricted free agent, Saban asked Thomas to accompany him to dinner with Mawae to convince the player to sign with Miami. On behalf of the entire Dolphins organization and our fans around the world, I want to congratulate Zach on his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said. Growing up in Texas, I dreamed of playing football at any level. 54 in Miami. To where? And they told me it was to Green Bay. The Colts, in the same division as Miami then, were almost exclusively a one back and one tight end team. Thomas was inducted in 2012 into the Dolphin Honor Roll along with Jason Taylor, the other half of the Dolphins' An award Zach never received. But somehow Urlacher was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee and Thomas who retired earlier is still waiting to get into Canton. Zach made 182 starts over his 13 season career whilst Urlacher made 180 over his 13 year career. During his induction speech he gave props to Thomas, who he faced 16 times during his 16-year NFL career. They went 108-100 and went 3-6 in the playoffs. I havent even thought that far up., The 17th LB in draft?Oops! I understood the whole business part of it. Zachs accomplishments on the field made him one of the greatest players in NFL history. There is only one thing left for the 7 time Pro Bowler, 5 time first team All-Pro, All Decade team member, 2 time NFL alumni linebacker of the year & Miami Dolphins All-Time leader in tackles made get him in the damn Hal of Fame, where he belongs! The conversation got far enough along that Belichick told Thomas he probably wouldnt be able to take Tedy Bruschis jersey number 54, the one Thomas wore in Miami. The more I thought about it though the more ridiculous that seemed. Zach and I always had a What Happened to Zach Thomas and Where is He Now? Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas is one of the most dangerous defensive players in league history. However, his body-rocking hits came at a price, and he dealt with numerous concussions throughout his 13-year NFL career. The following season the Dolphins had a new administration in charge again. Armando Salguero has covered the Miami Dolphins and the NFL since 1990, so longer than many players on the current roster have been alive and since many coaches on the team were in middle school. And after retiring from football, we had Christian, we built this house. If youre grading my play, I was figuring it out so it was hard to sit out. Parcells cut Thomas. Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached [email protected] and followed on Twitter@gunnerhal. As I noted above this is about individual recognition and Zach Thomas deserves to be recongised as equal to his peers the ones regarded as Hall of Fame worthy from his era. Yes, life has changed for Thomas since he stopped playing in 2009. Thomas was bummed, as he usually was after a loss. Thats why hes a winner.. A lot of Hall of Fame voting can come down to statistics. Thomas played only five games in that wasteland of a season. God bless, Tua Tagovailoa throws interception. And it was something of a mistake because Wade Phillips was running a defense that was totally foreign to him. Saying that would make me feel Im being ungrateful. He recalls playing Hall of Fame running backs like Marshall Faulk and Curtis Martin and fondly speaks of his meetings against Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, which felt as much like a chess match as a football game. But soon the games old stresses and retirements welcome peace will be locked in a standoff. Urlacher was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee in the class of 2018. Anything Zach does, hes going all the way, Maritza says. Thomas dated Maritza for two years and then proposed, but not before asking Guillermo for Maritzas hand in marriage. After a preseason game, Junior Seau says, You want to go out with me tonight? Thomas recalls. "I want to thank my family for all the sacrifices they made for me over the years. Their 4-year-old daughter Sienna playfully climbs over the couple as they talk, while 10-year-old Christian and 8-year-old Valentina kick around a soccer ball on the putting-green-quality lawn nearby. Im making my own hours. | NFL Draft 2023, Top 5 Quarterback Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 Tight Ends Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 Safety Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 Cornerback Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 Linebacker Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 OT Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 IOL Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Free Agency Highlights & Your Draft Questions Answered. Anyway, I blitzed myself. WebHe actually drafted and coached Zach, Jason Taylor, Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain during his tenure as Miamis head coach. I was trying to get the call, Thomas says. I teach my kids to be grateful for everything they do and get. Teammates marveled at how many hours Thomas would spend each week studying film, searchingfor even the slightest edge over the upcoming opponent. And Miamis Pro Bowl linebacker and defensive leader found out about it. But the relationship didnt quite start out with such high appreciation. Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas has been on the doorstep of the Pro Football Hall of Fame a couple of times but still hasnt gotten in. Coupled with the 2008 season spent with Dallas, Thomas finished his career with 1,734 tackles (74 for loss) and 20.5 sacks. The other Dolphins in the Hall are coach Don Shula; quarterbacks Bob Griese and Dan Marino; centers Jim Langer and Dwight Stephenson; fullback Larry Csonka; guard Larry Little; and receiver Paul Warfield. 53 instead, which in New England belonged to former teammate and roommate Larry Izzo. So he wanted to trade me. Lets just agree that it was a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties. I went to the sideline, but I couldnt sit down because I was falling asleep on the bench, Thomas says. He is an Associated Press All-Pro and awards voter. WebThere are a number of guys waiting to get in, so, he may not be a first ballot in 2017 due to the HoF back log of competition, but he will surely make it within the following year or Starting middle linebacker? The work is dropping off and picking up the kids from school and deciding which life lesson to deliver on the drives back and forth. He instead celebrates the years that came before. The somber thoughts often drifted into Jason Taylor's mind as he friend and brother-in-law Zach Thomas. He played against the New England Patriots on October 21, 2007, and, yes, the Dolphins lost. Yeah, no one knew that until now but it happened in 2005. He also becomes the second linebacker chosen, joining the late Nick Buoniconti. She is famous for sister of NFL player Zach Thomas. MIAMI Miami Dolphins great Jason Taylor and ex-wife Katina Taylor have agreed to dismiss a lawsuit she brought against him earlier this year to Katina was adamant she wanted Jason to come up with $3.4 million she claimed he still owed her in alimony. Wed go play other schools and our best dude (Zach) was better than their best dude by a lot and thats when we started to realize there was just something different about him, said Koby Abney, Thomas Should that reflect on Thomas? And while coaches prepared their defense by showing players clips of the opponents previous three games, Thomas would spend time alone going back years. That year he had 122 tackles, (17 for loss), 5 passes defended 1 forced fumble, no interceptions and 6 sacks. Jason Taylor is the Dolphins Hall of Fame defensive end and Zach Thomas is one of the 14 2020 That was stress so much of it that Thomas would get blisters on his lip from the pressure. I was so fired up and I took him on.. And one said, Thats my favorite player. Not exactly setting the league alight. For When I look at back to being an 8-year-old kid starting football, I had big dreams and for it to play out like it has, Im grateful. Those past teams came to their regular seasons with plans more than hope. For me, man, its always about respect. Katina Thomas boyfriend, "It was powerful. The battles were epic. In 182 games Urlacher had 1,046 solo tackles (5.74 per game). The former NFL middle linebacker spent his career smack in the middle of chaos. The defensive duo combined for 13 Pro Bowl selections during their Maritzas father Guillermo Lozano immigrated from Bogota when he was 19 years old. Here are the 17 linebackers drafted ahead of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas in 1996, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. These were guys that did a lot of the dirty work and I would go and clean up and Id get all the credit. And I said, No disrespect, but there are so many other guys who have already gone home. It can also be about direct comparison. Just couldnt do it. He has covered 25 Super Bowls, the NBA Finals, and the Olympics. He gets hired here and Im thinking Im ready to learn this new defense, a 3-4, and I guess he didnt think I fit the part, Thomas says. Former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas, who made a career out of stonewalling running backs with thunderous hits, made the loudest noise of all Thursday night by being named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His development from a fifth-round draft choice to a perennial Pro Bowl selection to receiving the most prestigious honor this game has to offer is a testament to his ability as both a player and a student of the game. And then the real pain began when he saw the people who hit him were wearing Patriots gear. Here are the 17 linebackers drafted ahead of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas in 1996. And Im a veteran, Im not part of their future. She graduated Nova Southeastern University with a doctorate in Pharmacy degree but she never was a huge football fan, especially not in 2003 when she and Thomas met. This time as one of the games all-time greats. I broke down.". Thats different than some recent Dolphins teams, including the ones who produced good moments and the ones that disappointed. I guess when I came home and told my brothers, I said, This football player was asking for my number. And they asked, who and I told them Zach Thomas. Zach Thomas is holding his wife Maritzas hand as they sit in the gazebo by their pool. Yet Zach Thomas had a much more productive career in terms of tackles per game. In 2005 Urlacher won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Dolphins have a problem but not what you think, Dolphins at Bears quickie reaction: Defense outstanding, Tagovailoa a work in progress, Dolphins live practice blog: One key player dressed, others not. And out of those games and the each players competitive spirit was forged a mutual respect so strong that when Mawae was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year, he used his acceptance speech to state Thomas also belonged in the Hall. It represents all the great teammates I had. They would go on to have quite similar career numbers (more below) but one was feted much more than the other. Then [Jason Taylor] jumps into it and everyones all wide-eyed getting into it back and forth.. They say its 1/10th of 1 percent just to make it to the NFL. Whatever Thomas said to Maritza that night neither really remembers and it doesnt matter because she didnt give him her number. I love my Dolphins and you cant control what coaches want to do to turn a team around, but I thought it was mishandled.. Thomas says he came to love Sabans ability to prepare the Dolphins. But if I called out that one play in a game, hed be thinking I know whats coming the whole game. To have played at Texas Tech and then be drafted by the Dolphins was the ultimate. "Im finally in, man," Thomas said. In December 2022, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Liliana Marie. Thomas playing from 1996-2008 & Urlacher from 2000-2012. Katina, 42, who happens to be the sister of former Taylor teammate Zach I got wind of it from a bunch of people because I knew everyone in the building, you know? Ninety-Nine Yards launched in 2018 and covers all aspects of the American football. But when Taylors choice was announced a few months back, it left more than a few wondering why he didnt pick Zach Thomas his former brother-in-law, close I was on the passenger side and I was talking to my brother on the phone and I didnt know if the phone hit me in the head or it was the headrest that felt so hard.. Thats humbling. I met her there and got her number this time. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Not even Johnson could have predicted the results. I am truly honored and humbled to be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Thomas said. That first meeting happened at the Roundup Country Western nightclub in Davie. WebRelationships. I was dead tired after running so far, Taylor said. It wasnt until months later when they ran into each other again in Fort Lauderdale that they clicked. His secret? I could never have accomplished this without your love and support. It was a love Saban maybe didnt fully understand in the spring of 2006 when Mawae visited. Those early mornings and late nights during the week were an investment so that the squatty guy who doesnt look like a football player could often perform better than anyone else on the field those three violent hours on game day. The games been too good to me.. But that simply wasnt possible. Hes covered Dolphins games in London, Berlin, Mexico City and Tokyo. And Nick asks, Whats that? And I said, Hes a cheap-shot Christian., And I explained with Kevin sitting there. Because I am a Dolphin for life. The 2021 Miami Dolphins? While Thomas said he would remain patient through the process, insisting the game didn't owe him anything, his fans voiced louder objections with each passing year, pointing out that many of his statistics surpassed those of linebackers already enshrined. Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Miami area sports - only $1 a month. But Katina sees a correlation between Isaiah and her brother, Zach Thomas. But the Hall of Famer whom Thomas will forever be most associated with is defensive end Jason Taylor. Zach has all the history with the guy going from a 5th* round pick by Jimmy to 2 time 1st team All-pro selection before Jimmy Retired beginning of 99 It certainly wasnt that way when Thomas and Saban were yelling at each other during a practice in the fall of 2005. Zach Thomas was not much of a self-promoter. After Saban left, the Dolphins hired Cam Cameron as their next coach. That is the extent of the numbers the Dolphins have have taken out of use, officially. I didnt know he was a starter. Hes one of those guys that never got the respect he deserved, never got the attention he deserves. Recognised by his direct opponents. Were eating and Nick asks me what I think of Kevin, Thomas says. His relationship with Zach Thomas, however, might be the one that made the deepest impact on Jason, both professionally and personally. 2000s All-decade team member and Hall of Fame inductee Kevin Mawae thinks it too. But I understood. Seeing his bust in Canton will complete a storybook climb for Thomas, who arrived in South Florida with little fanfare. I want to stay. I got a laugh out of Bill Belichick, Thomas says. Im getting paid a lot. He pretty much said that any linebacker hed had, once they hit 35 it was downhill. Thomas sat out three weeks. I dont have to work right now -- even though it is work and challenging with kids. Born Zachary Michael Thomas, who narrowly missed making the cut in 2020, becomes the 11th man whose career is primarily associated with the Dolphins to make the Hall. I kind of wanted to be part of that, but when I thought about it, I knew that would let all my fans down. Thomas playing from 1996-2008 & Urlacher from 2000-2012. Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor will be there for you to meet. So I enjoyed the visit, but I couldnt pull the trigger. Mawae and Thomas, the great center and great linebacker, were rivals. And maybe I should have bit my tongue, but thats just not me.. Couldnt believe it.. I didnt know anything about football, Maritza says. The tough decisions are picking which real estate investment to try and what workout to do to keep trim. Ive been doubted my whole life and Ive used that. View in 2021:Habib: Hall voters didn't 'rob' Dolphins' Zach Thomas. Its a blessing that he can do that.. Dolphins enter 2021 season with hope in a lot of areas. He wanted to rip into somebody. And for me, I pretty much used that as, well, Im different. NO. (No, this isnt going to be a rip job on Cameron, whose 2007 team managed only one victory in 16 games). Taylor joined ESPN as a pro football analyst on June 6, As we can see they both forced a fairly even number of turnovers or turnover opportunities all told. Thomas, 49, will be inducted into the Hall in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 5. It gave me purpose, it gave me family, it gave me wealth. They would go on to have quite similar career numbers (more below) but one was feted much more than the other. Maritza, of Colombian descent, went home to a family that was lukewarm on Thomas. And Im grateful to football. Featured Image: Zach Thomas lined up for action. Im like, Yes, sir. . I told him, I dont think Im the right guy to try to make a point with. Youre rebuilding. So for me, wow, man. The Saints soon wanted Thomas, and in retrospect Thomas admits not going there is one of my few regrets.. Who was around in your era and how do you compare to them? Thomas jokingly countered hed wear No. So before every game I would tell the ref, This is the most holdingest center in the league. And he heard about it, and before the next game he sent me a Xerox copy of his hands.. It would mean a lot because Im still that small-talent kid with big dreams that never could imagine it, Thomas said when he was a first-time finalist in 2020. So in 2009, Thomas signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. This is when Maritza and I were still dating and shes like, Were moving to Green Bay? And it didnt go through. This story was originally published January 24, 2020, 12:09 PM. So [Saban] stopped practice and made a scene. Thanks to all my coaches, trainers and equipment staff for helping this honor become a reality. But it worked out.. Two other numbers have been shadow retired, with Zach Thomas number 54 And I said all these compliments about Kevin but I also said we have a nickname for him. Recently, there has been a shroud of mystery over the current status of Zachary Todd and Alexandra Terans relationship. About Katina Thomas is an American TV News. Masons uncle, Zach Thomas, was a standout linebacker for 13 seasons with 3 teams, being named to 7 Pro Bowls of his own. During his career he was often compared to Brian Urlacher as their time in the NFL overlapped. Those children, his marriage, are his job. It was a joy to watch him play the game. Its all about perception play on a successful team (the Bears were 126-98 & went to a Superbowl during Urlachers career), and you get the recognition. Now Taylor hopes that his former teammate, Zach Thomas, gets the same good news on Saturday, when the remainder of the 2020 Hall class is determined. If it wasnt for Zach Thomas, I wouldnt be in the Hall of Fame, Taylor told me Wednesday at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Zach Thomas has had no other relationships that we know of.. About. In NO way. He wasnt demonstrative, but Zach Thomas was top of the tree good a true great at his position. Zach Thomas & Jason Taylor have just been inducted into the Dolphins Honor Roll! The Dolphins already had veteran Jack Del Rio. For a while Jason Taylor & Zach Thomas were the beating heart of the Dolphins D. Taylor was enshrined in Canton in 2017. Thomas never played again, but he isnt sad and doesnt lament that ending. He is adamant that Zach Thomas should be in the hall as well, as are most of Thomas former teammates. Does he belong? shouldnt even be a question, the Miami Dolphins great deserves to be in, of that I am in no doubt. Your email address will not be published. They're just delaying inevitable. Contribute Who is Katina Thomas dating? I knew right then I was going to have issues when the symptoms kicked in.. He was trying to get into my head and it fired me up, Thomas says. But I used it all the time in Washington and I still That was going to be my title for this piece. They were trying to get Javon Walker. Thomas signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys in 2008 and owner Jerry Jones asked him to sign for another year when that season ended, but Thomas told him he needed to get back to a system he felt more familiar playing. Together, they formed the heart and soul of the Dolphins Two other numbers have been shadow retired, with Zach Thomas number 54 and Jason Taylors 99 no longer used by the franchise. The 2023 season is the time to finally honor those two players and put their numbers in the same standing as the other legendary numbers. And they just beat us at home, Thomas laments. That was tension. Absolutely.. And Im going to be here when you get here to work and Im going to be here when you leave. I had to do it off premises, saying good-bye. Former Jets center Kevin Mawae took time during his Hall acceptance speech to say the one opponent who isnt in the Hall but needed to be was Thomas. So for me, even in my early years, I knew every one of the 17 linebackers that went ahead of me. But I used it all the time in Washington and I still got lost." Traffic came to a real fast stop, Thomas says. By Armando Salguero It was a great visit, Thomas says. Opponent and team-mate are in agreement and that theme of being overlooked is there again. But Im not knocking Saban. I feel hes very unselfish because of all the things he could be doing, he chooses to be part of our lives and loves being at the kids sporting events and activities. In 184 games Thomas had 1107 solo tackles (6.01 per game). Katina Thomas-Taylor sued him in 2017 because she claimed he fell short on his promise by $3.4 million.
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