Columnist. WebRelationships. 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.. And for me, I pretty much used that as, well, Im different. I am truly honored and humbled to be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Thomas said. Because I am a Dolphin for life. This time as one of the games all-time greats. Jason Taylor | Pro Football Hall of Fame - pfhof Zach Thomas & Jason Taylor have just been inducted into the Dolphins Honor Roll! It was indeed a dream come true. 53 instead, which in New England belonged to former teammate and roommate Larry Izzo. Taylor & Thomas. "I want to thank my family for all the sacrifices they made for me over the years. 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. In 184 games Thomas had 1107 solo tackles (6.01 per game). Mawae laughed and still laughs at the story to this day. Katina Thomas You know, I was two-time all-state, but I dont get offered, he said. 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. I get offered two scholarships, so I take one (to Texas Tech). 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. Lets just agree that it was a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties. Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached athhabib@pbpost.com and followed on Twitter@gunnerhal. Zach Thomas To go from being a fifth-round pick to football immortality? Born Zachary Michael 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. Thats why hes a winner.. During his career he was often compared to Brian Urlacher as their time in the NFL overlapped. The defensive duo combined for 13 Pro Bowl selections during their 54 in Miami. 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. So I just told him Im a grown-[expletive] man and told him to shut the [expletive] up. Thomas playing from 1996-2008 & Urlacher from 2000-2012. I met with Belichick. 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. Here are the 17 linebackers drafted ahead of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas in 1996, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The somber thoughts often drifted into Jason Taylor's mind as he friend and brother-in-law Zach Thomas. This is when Maritza and I were still dating and shes like, Were moving to Green Bay? And it didnt go through. And Miamis Pro Bowl linebacker and defensive leader found out about it. Seeing his bust in Canton will complete a storybook climb for Thomas, who arrived in South Florida with little fanfare. Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis, Dolphins legend Zach Thomas says handicap as preschooler instilled work ethic, Oops! Taylor joined ESPN as a pro football analyst on June 6, And if it wasnt a lead draw, Id have been in trouble, but I hit it and made the tackle. 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. But that motivated me even more than usual, the Dolphins trying to get rid of me, thinking I couldnt play in that defense. So [Saban] stopped practice and made a scene. Not even Johnson could have predicted the results. Like it or not, those who make a fuss in an entertainment business (which sport essentially is) can often capture the attention. And they decided it was time for Thomas and the Dolphins to go their separate ways. Zach and I always had a My first year with the Jets before my first game we played against each other, (Coach) Bill Parcells told me in front of my entire team, If you dont block Thomas, we wont win the game, and for the next 16 matchups I never forgot that. WebHe actually drafted and coached Zach, Jason Taylor, Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain during his tenure as Miamis head coach. This story was originally published January 24, 2020, 12:09 PM. It was a great visit, Thomas says. God bless, Tua Tagovailoa throws interception. Absolutely.. 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 They were trying to get Javon Walker. Are Zach and Alex Still Together or Have They Broken I am not alone in that thinking. So I enjoyed the visit, but I couldnt pull the trigger. What Happened To Jason Taylor? (Complete Story) 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. fl-miami-dolphins-1010B - Retired Miami Dolphins linebackers Jason Taylor, left, and Zach Thomas, right, entered the Dolphins Ring of Honor on Tuesday, October 9, 2012. Zach 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. Then on the turnpike ride home, with Maritza driving, the couple was rear-ended. WebKatina Thomas and Jason Taylor have been married for 21 years since Jun 2001. view relationship Relationships Katina Thomas has had no other relationships that we know of. He wasnt demonstrative, but Zach Thomas was top of the tree good a true great at his position. The more I thought about it though the more ridiculous that seemed. I dont look the part. Thomas was bummed, as he usually was after a loss. That is the extent of the numbers the Dolphins have have taken out of use, officially. Thomas, 49, will be inducted into the Hall in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 5. And on the first play of the first inside drill of 2009 training camp, Thomas blew up the lead fullback and sustained another concussion and he could not practice or play. Hes one of those guys that never got the respect he deserved, never got the attention he deserves. Zach Thomas Lastly, I want to thank the Dolphins fans. Zachs accomplishments on the field made him one of the greatest players in NFL history. In fact, he hadn't thought of it even after Hall voters gathered for their annual conference to select honorees. The Chiefs cut him in training camp. We look forward to celebrating with him in Canton.. The same year Thomas had 162 tackles (13 for a loss), 3 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 2 sacks. This is about individual recognition. They went 108-100 and went 3-6 in the playoffs. They would go on to have quite similar career numbers (more below) but one was feted much more than the other. 1 on that list., He made everybody that played with him better. He played against the New England Patriots on October 21, 2007, and, yes, the Dolphins lost. Its a blessing that he can do that.. 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. Together, the duo shared a lot of love and an even bigger ego.