I kind of wanted to be part of that, but when I thought about it, I knew that would let all my fans down. I met her there and got her number this time. Hes the man. Youre rebuilding. 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. Traffic came to a real fast stop, Thomas says. NFL Draft Hub: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis, Thomas' childhood:Dolphins legend Zach Thomas says handicap as preschooler instilled work ethic. And it was another reason to think he better do this somewhere different because there were so many other guys that he drafted that were just lazy that he needed to rip into and never did. And then in college, I was two-time All-American and then I go, the 154th pick. And after retiring from football, we had Christian, we built this house. I felt bad for a while because I thought that was a reason he didnt sign with us at the time, Thomas says, But Kevin told me the Dolphins didnt offer him a contract, and thats the reason he didnt sign.. 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. His relationship with Zach Thomas, however, might be the one that made the deepest impact on Jason, both professionally and personally. So much that Thomas says, I made pressure my friend.. I teach my kids to be grateful for everything they do and get. Saying that would make me feel Im being ungrateful. It is also a podcast that features interviews with both current and former NFL stars and you can listen via Spreaker and Apple Podcasts. Zach Thomas is a 49 year old American Football (American) Player. Thomas will be enshrined along with the other members of the Class of 2023: cornerback/safety Ronde Barber, coach Don Coryell, linebacker Chuck Howley, defensive end/defensive tackle/nose tackle Joe Klecko, cornerback Darrelle Revis, cornerback Ken Riley, offensive tackle Joe Thomas and linebacker/defensive end DeMarcus Ware. 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. The Chiefs cut him in training camp. But I used it all the time in Washington and I still Coupled with the 2008 season spent with Dallas, Thomas finished his career with 1,734 tackles (74 for loss) and 20.5 sacks. That first meeting happened at the Roundup Country Western nightclub in Davie. Jason Taylor The former NFL middle linebacker spent his career smack in the middle of chaos. 53 instead, which in New England belonged to former teammate and roommate Larry Izzo. Thats humbling. I didnt know anything about football, Maritza says. Then theres the issue of the Dolphins during Thomas time there. And I just gave him one of these . Thomas playing from 1996-2008 & Urlacher from 2000-2012. Zach Thomas After Saban left, the Dolphins hired Cam Cameron as their next coach. He pretty much told me, next time a coach is coaching you, you shut the [expletive] up. Thats because while the rest of the country (and parts of the world) will be captivated by Super Bowl 54 on Feb. 2, Thomas will be more focused on Feb. 1, when he and 14 other finalists are considered for election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 2021 Miami Dolphins? Im looking forward to celebrating this with all of you. 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. Then on the turnpike ride home, with Maritza driving, the couple was rear-ended. Zach Thomas was not much of a self-promoter. He wasnt demonstrative, but Zach Thomas was top of the tree good a true great at his position. In fact, he hadn't thought of it even after Hall voters gathered for their annual conference to select honorees. Its a blessing that he can do that.. But Katina sees a correlation between Isaiah and her brother, Zach Thomas. But it worked out.. 1 on that list., He made everybody that played with him better. He is one of 48 Pro Football Hall of Fame voters. Or he was my favorite player. . So I was getting a call from the sideline and another coach was trying to coach me on what I did wrong the play before. In NO way. 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. Masons uncle, Zach Thomas, was a standout linebacker for 13 seasons with 3 teams, being named to 7 Pro Bowls of his own. He was routinely putting in 150+ tackles per season at the height of his career. So for me, even in my early years, I knew every one of the 17 linebackers that went ahead of me. Taylor joined ESPN as a pro football analyst on June 6, So now Im in his head. They say its 1/10th of 1 percent just to make it to the NFL. She is famous for sister of NFL player Zach Thomas. Im making my own hours. "It was powerful. Zach made 182 starts over his 13 season career whilst Urlacher made 180 over his 13 year career. Does he belong? shouldnt even be a question, the Miami Dolphins great deserves to be in, of that I am in no doubt. Theyre the Patriots.. And I felt like they mishandled that part. And Im grateful to football. Are Zach and Alex Still Together or Have They Broken So theyre telling me, Theyre trying to trade you right now.. Those five games I played that year were probably the best five games I put together, Thomas says. And many highlights, Adam Shaheen speaks about not getting vaccinated as Dolphins respect player choice. God bless, Tua Tagovailoa throws interception. By Armando Salguero Theres no greater honor than to get that recognition from an opponent., Thomas later received an endorsement from another Hall of Famer Johnson who tweeted, He deserves to be in HOF!. I understood the whole business part of it. Anyway, I blitzed myself. This is when Maritza and I were still dating and shes like, Were moving to Green Bay? And it didnt go through. Zach Thomas He was a sports enthusiast as a kid and Thomas friends noticed early on that he was a bit different than the other local youth. And Nick asks, Whats that? And I said, Hes a cheap-shot Christian., And I explained with Kevin sitting there. Former Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson will be his presenter. Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached athhabib@pbpost.com and followed on Twitter@gunnerhal. Im getting paid a lot. In 168 games for the Dolphins all starts he had 1,640 tackles and 19.5 sacks. Zach Thomas & Jason Taylor have just been inducted into the Dolphins Honor Roll! Dont let me down, Thomas said. Zachs accomplishments on the field made him one of the greatest players in NFL history. He pretty much said that any linebacker hed had, once they hit 35 it was downhill. And Miamis Pro Bowl linebacker and defensive leader found out about it. This undersized linebacker was chosen 154th overall in 1996 and coincidentally assigned jersey No. Ill be the first to admit that Urlacher outstrips Thomas in sacks by a factor of two to one but then Thomas was making far more tackles per game. They're just delaying inevitable. 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. Bill Parcells took the reins of the team, along with head coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland. In December 2022, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Liliana Marie. 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. In 12 seasons with the Dolphins, Thomas made seven Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams. Now hes a big Dolphins fan, Maritza says of her father. Tori Deal & Jordan Wiseley (Off) Tori Deal and Jordan Wiseley were considered one of the ultimate power couples. So he told me he was going to bench me, or whatever. 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. It was all just for motivation.. Zach Thomas was my nemesis, Mawae said 22:16 into his 27-minute Hall of Fame speech. So he did give me a 1-on-1 but they wouldnt allow me to meet with [reporters] at the facility. But that simply wasnt possible. Thomas had to prove himself every step of the way, even as a linebacker at White Deer High in Pampa, Texas. And the truck behind us didnt even hit their brakes before they hit us. The Challenge: 5 Couples Who Are Still Together Thomas says he came to love Sabans ability to prepare the Dolphins. The honor comes in Thomas' fourth year as a Hall finalist. 2021 Ninety-Nine Yards: American Football, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Why Zach Thomas belongs in the Hall of Fame. Thomas played only five games in that wasteland of a season. And that was him exploding into tackles a whopping 1,734 of them before anyone got the better of him. 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. The Saints soon wanted Thomas, and in retrospect Thomas admits not going there is one of my few regrets.. Thomas dated Maritza for two years and then proposed, but not before asking Guillermo for Maritzas hand in marriage. Katina Thomas boyfriend, Well thats over now. Zach was there with offensive tackle Todd Wade. I get offered two scholarships, so I take one (to Texas Tech). Opponent and team-mate are in agreement and that theme of being overlooked is there again. What Happened To Jason Taylor? (Complete Story) Start with the time Nick Saban wanted to trade Zach Thomas. The more I thought about it though the more ridiculous that seemed. 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. To go from being a fifth-round pick to football immortality? "I want to thank my family for all the sacrifices they made for me over the years. They went 108-100 and went 3-6 in the playoffs. Thomas sat out three weeks. 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 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 Thats why hes a winner.. Thank you to all of my teammates. The problem is Thomas sustained multiple serious concussions that year. Ninety-Nine Yards launched in 2018 and covers all aspects of the American football. Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Miami area sports - only $1 a month. 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. Obviously I think (know) that Zach Thomas should be in the Hall of Fame. Together, they formed the heart and soul of the Dolphins defense from 1996-2007. Recently, there has been a shroud of mystery over the current status of Zachary Todd and Alexandra Terans relationship. Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis, Dolphins legend Zach Thomas says handicap as preschooler instilled work ethic, Oops! Were in a practice and, you know we started the season [2-1], but then we lost a couple straight so he was upset, Thomas says. And they decided it was time for Thomas and the Dolphins to go their separate ways. Jason Taylor To where? And they told me it was to Green Bay. "You cant take me out.". Thomas was bummed, as he usually was after a loss. So he wanted to trade me. Teammates marveled at how many hours Thomas would spend each week studying film, searchingfor even the slightest edge over the upcoming opponent. But Johnson immediately knew he had something special in the new kid. Facebook I believe in that stuff. That was him diagnosing plays before opponents ran them, fending off 300-pound centers before they slammed him, figuring the correct angles to ball carriers before they ran by him. Those children, his marriage, are his job. Thomas playing from 1996-2008 & Urlacher from 2000-2012. So he must have been much better than Thomas who has waited until 2020 to be a finalist right? Johnson, not Thomas, introducing Taylor at Hall of Fame He was trying to get into my head and it fired me up, Thomas says. To me, is he a Hall of Famer? What Happened to Zach Thomas and Where is He Now? And, oh yes, the stories he authored are fascinating. That was tension. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. If youre grading my play, I was figuring it out so it was hard to sit out. And I said, Oh, really? Zach Thomas Is Hall Of Fame Worthy Thomas went to Dallas instead. Then [Jason Taylor] jumps into it and everyones all wide-eyed getting into it back and forth.. 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. Saban was mortified. 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. Ive been doubted my whole life and Ive used that. And thats the stuff I miss. Perhaps Urlacher was better at forcing turnovers? 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 defensive duo combined for 13 Pro Bowl selections during their But on the first play of the second game, [Dallas] brought in a LB at fullback to take me on. These were guys that did a lot of the dirty work and I would go and clean up and Id get all the credit. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. I knew right then I was going to have issues when the symptoms kicked in.. Saban eventually brought Thomas into his office and the two made peace. He has covered 25 Super Bowls, the NBA Finals, and the Olympics. So before the play, I see this and Peyton is calling signals, and I yell, Lead draw! Thomas says. Zach Thomas Former Miami Dolphin, Zach Thomas introduced his teammate, Jason Taylor to his sister, Katina. She grew up in Texas with her brothers, Zach and Bart. Both Zach and Katina graduated from Texas Tech University, where she earned her degree in broadcast journalism. Whatever Thomas said to Maritza that night neither really remembers and it doesnt matter because she didnt give him her number. Im the leader of this defense, man., Im good with being called out, thats fine. But soon the games old stresses and retirements welcome peace will be locked in a standoff. In 2005 Urlacher won the Defensive Player of the Year award. And maybe I should have bit my tongue, but thats just not me.. Equal to his peers. And two of his most decorated proteges, Bill Belichick in New England and Sean Payton in New Orleans, must have thought that a mistake because they tried to sign Thomas. He also becomes the second linebacker chosen, joining the late Nick Buoniconti. Thomas jokingly countered hed wear No. That is the extent of the numbers the Dolphins have have taken out of use, officially. But for short yardage in previous years, Thomas noticed when Indy had two backs in, and the Y receiver flexed, the play was always a lead draw. Katina Thomas 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. Katina Thomas-Taylor sued him in 2017 because she claimed he fell short on his promise by $3.4 million. But I definitely dont want to disrespect the game by thinking I deserve any of it. This time as one of the games all-time greats. Jason Taylors son is a key starter for Aquinas, but hes WebRelationships. Each of you made me a better player and are a big part of where I am today. Between 1996 & 2008 they won two division titles. They played 18 games against one another when the Jets and Dolphins played. I could never have accomplished this without your love and support. 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. But somehow Urlacher was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee and Thomas who retired earlier is still waiting to get into Canton. Seeing his bust in Canton will complete a storybook climb for Thomas, who arrived in South Florida with little fanfare. The IDC (Internet Dolphins Community) have been very vocal in their displeasure about Zach not getting a mustard-colored jacket on all of the social media platforms. Lets just agree that it was a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties. He starts, Zach, Im trying to make a point to get it to the team, Thomas recalls. Parcells cut Thomas. That was going to be my title for this piece. I look up and I could tell Peyton was wondering howd you know? , Peyton was the best in the business. Im like, Yes, sir. . It was a great visit, Thomas says. The Colts, in the same division as Miami then, were almost exclusively a one back and one tight end team. It gave me purpose, it gave me family, it gave me wealth. Thomas, you see, kept notes that eventually grew into entire notebooks on teams and offensive coordinators. I havent even thought that far up., The 17th LB in draft?Oops! But as the rest of the team was floundering, Thomas was flourishing, averaging more than 10 tackles per game and collecting tackles for loss, passes defensed, and quarterback hits. That was stress so much of it that Thomas would get blisters on his lip from the pressure. Zach Thomas The same year Thomas had 162 tackles (13 for a loss), 3 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 2 sacks. This is home: Jason Taylors unlikely path to NFL greatness In 182 games Urlacher had 1,046 solo tackles (5.74 per game). Anything Zach does, hes going all the way, Maritza says. Featured Image: Zach Thomas lined up for action. Born Zachary Michael Its important, Thomas says as he makes sure Sienna doesnt fall off a table. Thomas always prided himself in preparation. Thomas said he was unaware the selection process had been completed until Johnson popped up at his house unannounced, wearing his own gold jacket, which could only mean good news. 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. So I just told him Im a grown-[expletive] man and told him to shut the [expletive] up. Thomas, 49, will be inducted into the Hall in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 5. The games been too good to me.. And then the real pain began when he saw the people who hit him were wearing Patriots gear. Contribute Who is Katina Thomas dating? Urlacher was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee in the class of 2018. And Im right in front of my defense. Hes covered Dolphins games in London, Berlin, Mexico City and Tokyo. Image from miamidolphins.com, Your email address will not be published. I love my Dolphins and you cant control what coaches want to do to turn a team around, but I thought it was mishandled.. This is Zach Thomas life now. But the relationship didnt quite start out with such high appreciation. He played against the New England Patriots on October 21, 2007, and, yes, the Dolphins lost. Should that reflect on Thomas? 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 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. WebDefensive End Jason Taylor was selected in the third round, 73rd player overall, in the 1997 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Together, the duo shared a lot of love and an even bigger ego. On the other hand the former Bears player forced 11 fumbles as a player whilst Thomas forced 16. 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 Dolphins retired jersey numbers: Time to formalize Jason "Oh, man," Thomas said. Zach and Maritza were engaged the bye week of the 2005 season on a St. Maarten beach with shooting stars as the audience. I dont know what else they wanted. Here are the 17 linebackers drafted ahead of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas in 1996, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. And Im going to be here when you get here to work and Im going to be here when you leave. Thomas was inducted in 2012 into the Dolphin Honor Roll along with Jason Taylor, the other half of the Dolphins' Jason Taylor is the Dolphins Hall of Fame defensive end and Zach Thomas is one of the 14 2020 I was trying to get the call, Thomas says. It was definitely a chess match. And even months later when they called to bring him back, Thomas was still not recovered. Not that he necessarily needed it, but Thomas Hall of Fame candidacy received a jump-start in 2019.

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