Cleveland Browns: 15 greatest offensive linemen of all-time
By Randy Gurzi
1. player. 53. . Tackle. (2007-17). Joe Thomas
Greatest offensive lineman in Cleveland Browns history: #1. Joe Thomas
Finally, we get to the No. 1 offensive lineman to ever play for the Browns and it’s the iron man himself, Joe Thomas.
Coming out of Wisconsin in 2007, Thomas ended up being the third overall selection and immediately became the starting left tackle for the Browns. He was a part of a stellar line that season which helped lead them to a 10-6 record, although the Browns just did miss the playoffs.
Unfortunately, that was the only winning season during Thomas’ time in the NFL. Despite playing on a perennial loser, Thomas continued to give it everything he had week in and week out. His career lasted 11 seasons and it wasn’t until his final year that he missed a single snap.
Thomas became the first player to ever record 10,000 consecutive snaps and only saw that streak end (at 10,363) after suffering a torn triceps muscle on Oct. 22, 2017. As bad as that injury was, what was worse is that it was the last time No. 73 played for the Browns.
He ended up calling it a career after that and has since started to work more in the media. He’s the co-host of the popular ThomaHawk Podcast along with former Browns teammate Andrew Hawkins. Thomas will also start working on NFL Network this season for Thursday Night Football games.
This success is well-earned for Thomas ,who goes down as one of the most popular players of all-time in Cleveland. Not only is this due to his play, but his dedication as well.
Next. 30 greatest players in franchise history. dark
Every year, it seemed as if there were rumors of contending team wanting to add the left tackle. However, Thomas always made it known that he wanted to stay with the team that drafted him. Desperate to turn their fortune around, Thomas fell short of that goal, but he remains one of the team’s biggest cheerleaders following his career.