NFL: Decorated Veterans Who Deserve a Super Bowl
Jun 16, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive lineman
Joe Thomas(73) and Cleveland Browns offensive lineman
Mitchell Schwartz(72) during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns
If Joe Thomas retired today, he’d safely march into the Hall of Fame without a single postseason appearance to his name. That’s a hauntingly terrifying reality for a player as great as he.
If any player on this list truly deserves to make a run to the Super Bowl, it’s Thomas.
Since being drafted in 2007, Thomas has played in all 128 games for the Cleveland Browns. He’s made eight Pro Bowl appearances and seven All-Pro teams, including five First Team selections.
By all means and measures, Thomas is one of the best players of his generation.
Unfortunately, being a legendarily good offensive lineman doesn’t always translate to team success. That’s especially true when one considers the quality of quarterback Cleveland has employed.
Nevertheless, on one of the most dreadful teams of the past decade, Thomas has always showed up to play at an elite level. He deserves to win.
Next: A Former Defensive Player of the Year