American football player (born 1973)
American football player
Zach Thomas
Thomas in 2002
|
|
Position:
| Linebacker
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|
Born:
| (
1973-09-01
)
September 1, 1973
(age 50)
Pampa, Texas
, U.S.
|
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Height:
| 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
|
---|
Weight:
| 242 lb (110 kg)
|
---|
|
High school:
| White Deer (TX)
Pampa (TX)
|
---|
College:
| Texas Tech
(1992?1995)
|
---|
NFL draft:
| 1996
/ Round: 5 / Pick: 154
|
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|
|
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
|
|
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|
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|
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|
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|
Player stats at
PFR
|
|
|
|
Zachary Michael Thomas
(born September 1, 1973) is an American former professional
football
player who was a
linebacker
in the
National Football League
(NFL) for 13 seasons. He played
college football
for the
Texas Tech Red Raiders
, and was recognized as a
unanimous All-American
. He was selected in the fifth round, 22nd pick (154th overall), in the
1996 NFL draft
by the
Miami Dolphins
, and played for the Dolphins in his first 12 seasons in the NFL, before playing his 13th and final season with the
Dallas Cowboys
.
In his rookie year in 1996, Thomas was voted the Dolphins Team Newcomer of the Year, and also won his first of two Dolphins Team MVP awards (1996, 2001). He was also named the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1996. Thomas was also the first Dolphins player to win the Dolphins Team Leadership Award (voted by his teammates) a record three times (1998-1999, 2005), until
Jason Taylor
surpassed him with four (2002, 2006-2007, 2009).
[1]
From 1998-2006, Thomas led a defensive unit that finished top 10 in total defense in seven consecutive seasons (1998-2004), and in eight out of nine (2006). In five of those nine seasons (1998, 2000, 2002-2003, 2006), Thomas' defenses finished top five in total scoring defense, including 1st overall in 1998.
[2]
[3]
Thomas is also known for his longevity with the Dolphins, and currently is 2nd all time in Dolphins history for most games played by a defensive player in the team's history with 168, behind Taylor's 204.
[4]
A seven-time
Pro Bowl
selection (the most ever by a Dolphins defensive player), and seven-time first (5) or second (2) team
All-Pro
, Thomas recorded more than 1,700 combined tackles (1,100+ solo) in his career which included leading the league in tackles twice (2002, 2006),
[5]
topping at least 100 combined tackles (he topped 150+ tackles six times) in 10 out of his 12 seasons with the Dolphins, and currently ranks 5th on the
NFL's all-time career tackles list
. He was named a two-time NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year (1998, 2006), and was also selected to the
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
.
In 2006, Thomas was inducted into the Texas Tech Athletics Hall of Fame, and would later be enshrined into the
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Ring of Honor in 2016. In 2015, Thomas was inducted into the
College Football Hall of Fame
. In 2012, Thomas was enshrined into the
Miami Dolphins Honor Roll
, and on February 9, 2023, in his 10th year of eligibility and in his 4th straight year being a finalist, Zach Thomas was elected as a member to the
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Class of 2023.
Early years
[
edit
]
Thomas was born in
Pampa, Texas
. He attended White Deer Schools in
White Deer, Texas
, until he was a sophomore then transferred to
Pampa High School
in his junior year. He was a standout
high school football
player and was named a first-team all-state selection as a senior. Thomas and his older brother, Bart, were high school teammates at
White Deer High School
in
White Deer, Texas
; in 1988, Thomas' freshman year, the White Deer team went 16?0 and won the Class 1A state championship.
College career
[
edit
]
Thomas attended
Texas Tech University
, where he was a three-year starter at linebacker for the
Texas Tech Red Raider football
team. As a junior in 1994, he was a second-team All-American. As a senior in 1995, he was a unanimous first-team All-American, the
Big 12 Conference
Defensive Player of the Year, and a finalist for the
Butkus Award
. Thomas is one of 5 Red Raiders to be named a Unanimous All-American along with
Mark Bounds
,
Byron Hanspard
,
Michael Crabtree
, and
Jace Amaro
.
[6]
He recorded 390 tackles, including a career-high 131 tackles and a school-record 20 tackles against
Georgia
in his senior season.
[7]
Thomas and his brother Bart were the only pair of brothers to be named first-team All-Southwest Conference selections in the same year.
Thomas' most memorable and infamous college game for Texas Tech, occurred on October 7, 1995, against rival
Texas A&M University
. Texas A&M entered the game riding a five game winning streak against Texas Tech dating back to 1990. In a defensive 7-7 tie ballgame heading late into the 4th quarter, Thomas intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown with :34 seconds remaining, helping Texas Tech snap their five game losing streak to Texas A&M, winning by a final score of 14?7. Thomas finished the game with 12 combined tackles, one fumble recovery, and the game-clinching interception return for a touchdown.
Thomas was inducted into the
College Football Hall of Fame
in 2015.
[8]
College awards and honors
[
edit
]
Professional career
[
edit
]
Pre-draft measurables
Height
|
Weight
|
Arm length
|
Hand span
|
40-yard dash
|
10-yard split
|
20-yard split
|
20-yard shuttle
|
Vertical jump
|
Broad jump
|
Bench press
|
5 ft 11 in
(1.80 m)
|
233 lb
(106 kg)
|
30
+
5
⁄
8
in
(0.78 m)
|
9
+
1
⁄
4
in
(0.23 m)
|
4.85 s
|
1.67 s
|
2.77 s
|
4.24 s
|
28.5 in
(0.72 m)
|
8 ft 8 in
(2.64 m)
|
20 reps
|
All values from NFL Combine
[9]
|
Thomas attended the
NFL Scouting Combine
in
Indianapolis
, but had a performance that was described as lousy and included a 28.5" vertical jump.
[10]
Miami Dolphins' special teams coordinator,
Mike Westhoff
, was sent to Texas by the Dolphins to meet with Thomas and scout him for their special teams unit.
[11]
Thomas was considered to be too small and not fast or athletic enough to play at the professional level according to scouts and draft experts.
[12]
Miami Dolphins
[
edit
]
The
Miami Dolphins
selected Thomas in the fifth round (154th overall) of the
1996 NFL draft
.
[13]
Thomas was the 18th linebacker drafted in a linebacker class that included
Ray Lewis
,
Tedy Bruschi
,
Donnie Edwards
, and
Kevin Hardy
.
[14]
Thomas was the second linebacker the Dolphins drafted in 1996, joining their fourth round pick
Baylor
linebacker LaCurtis Jones (126th overall).
[12]
Thomas was initially drafted to join special teams after the Miami Dolphins' special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff recommended him to head coach Jimmy Johnson.
[11]
The bottom line is that Zach Thomas was making plays. He has quickness, he's an instinctive player, and he makes plays ...
Jack Del Rio
would still be here and still be our starter were it not for the play of Zach Thomas.
?
Jimmy Johnson
(1996)
1996
[
edit
]
On July 3, 1996, the
Miami Dolphins
signed Thomas to a three-year,
$
577,000
contract
at the league minimum.
[15]
He impressed the Dolphins' coaching staff during training camp and quickly rose up the depth chart to compete for the job as the starting middle linebacker against
Jack Del Rio
. Head coach
Jimmy Johnson
officially named Thomas the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season. On August 3, 1996, the Miami Dolphins subsequently released Del Rio due to the sudden emergence of Thomas.
[16]
[17]
He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the
Miami Dolphins'
season-opener at home, against the
New England Patriots
and made nine combined tackles and his first career sack in their 24?10 victory. Thomas made his first career tackle on Patriots' running back
Curtis Martin
and made his first career sack on Patriots' quarterback
Drew Bledsoe
for a six-yard loss in the first quarter.
[18]
The following week, he collected a season-high 15 combined tackles as the Dolphins defeated the
Arizona Cardinals
38?10.
[19]
In Week 6, he collected 12 combined tackles in the Dolphins' 22?15 loss against the
Seattle Seahawks
. On October 13, 1996, Thomas recorded 11 combined tackles, a sack, and made his first career interception during a 21?7 win at the
Buffalo Bills
in Week 7. Thomas made his first career interception off a pass by Bills' quarterback
Jim Kelly
, that was originally intended for tight end
Lonnie Johnson
, and returned it for an 11-yard gain in the first quarter.
[20]
On November 17, 1996, Thomas made eight combined tackles and returned an interception for his first career touchdown in the Dolphins' 23?20 win against the
Houston Oilers
in Week 12. Thomas intercepted a pass by Oilers' quarterback
Chris Chandler
, that was intended for tight end
Frank Wycheck
, and returned it for a 26-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
[21]
Thomas finished his rookie season in
1996
with 153 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks, while starting all 16 games.
[22]
Thomas was a
1997 Pro Bowl
alternate and an All-Rookie selection in 1996.
1997
[
edit
]
On August 4, 1997, Thomas sustained a fractured
fibula
during the Dolphins' 38?19 win against the
Denver Broncos
in their preseason-opener.
[23]
His injury sidelined him for the remainder of the preseason and he was also inactive for the Miami Dolphins' 16?10 season-opening victory against the
Indianapolis Colts
.
[24]
Head coach Jimmy Johnson named Thomas the starting middle linebacker upon his return from injury. He started alongside outside linebackers
Anthony Harris
and
Derrick Rodgers
.
[25]
In Week 4, he collected a season-high 12 combined tackles and made an interception during a 31?21 loss at the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
. On October 27, 1997, Thomas tied his season-high of 12 combined tackles in the Dolphins' 36?33 loss at the
Chicago Bears
in Week 9.
[26]
He finished the
1997 season
with a total of 127 combined tackles, an interception, and was credited with half a sack in 15 games and 15 starts.
[22]
The
Miami Dolphins
finished second in the
AFC East
with a 9?7 record and earned a wildcard berth. On December 28, 1997, Thomas started in his first career playoff game and recorded ten combined tackles during the Dolphins 17?3 loss as the
New England Patriots
won the AFC Wildcard Game.
[27]
1998
[
edit
]
Thomas was retained as the starting middle linebacker for the third consecutive season and started alongside outside linebackers
Robert Jones
and Derrick Rodgers.
[28]
On September 20, 1998, Thomas recorded eight combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown during a 21?0 win against the
Pittsburgh Steelers
in Week 3. Thomas intercepted a pass by Steelers' quarterback
Kordell Stewart
and returned it for a 17-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
[29]
On November 1, 1998, he collected a season-high 14 combined tackles during a 30?24 loss at the
Buffalo Bills
in Week 9. In Week 14, Thomas recorded six combined tackles and made a season-high two interceptions in the Dolphins' 27?17 win at the
Oakland Raiders
.
[30]
Thomas intercepted two pass attempts by quarterback
Donald Hollas
.
[31]
He started in all 16 games in
1998
and recorded 133 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks.
[22]
Thomas was first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career as the Dolphins defense allowed the fewest points in the NFL.
The Miami Dolphins finished second in the AFC East with a 10?6 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 2, 1999, Thomas recorded eight combined tackles during a 24?17 win against the
Buffalo Bills
in the AFC Wildcard Game. The following week, he made ten combined tackles as the Dolphins' lost to the
Denver Broncos
in the AFC Divisional Round 38?3.
[32]
1999
[
edit
]
On February 13, 1999, the Miami Dolphins signed Thomas to a five-year, $22.50 million contract that included a signing bonus of $4.50 million.
[33]
Thomas's $6.5 million in salary and bonus made him the Dolphins highest paid player, surpassing
Dan Marino
.
[34]
Head coach Jimmy Johnson retained Thomas, Robert Jones, and Derrick Rodgers as the starting linebackers in 1999. In Week 15, Thomas collected a season-high 13 combined tackles during the Dolphins' 12?9 win against the
San Diego Chargers
. He started in all 16 games in
1999
and recorded 132 combined tackles, a sack, and an interception.
[35]
Thomas was selected to the
2000 Pro Bowl
, marking the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.
The
Miami Dolphins
finished third in the AFC East with a 9?7 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 9, 2000, Thomas recorded nine combined tackles and a sack during a 20?17 victory at the
Seattle Seahawks
in the AFC Wildcard Game. The following week, he made ten combined tackles as the Dolphins lost 62?7 at the
Jacksonville Jaguars
in the AFC Divisional Round.
2000
[
edit
]
On January 17, 2000, head coach Jimmy Johnson announced his decision to step down as head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
[36]
Assistant head coach
Dave Wannstedt
was promoted to head coach. Wannstedt opted to retain Thomas as the starting middle linebacker, alongside Robert Jones and Derrick Rodgers. On September 17, 2000, Thomas collected a season-high 13 combined tackles during a 19?6 win against the
Baltimore Ravens
in Week 3.
[37]
Thomas was sidelined during the Dolphins' Week 5 victory at the
Cincinnati Bengals
due to a sprained ankle.
[38]
Thomas was inactive for four games (Weeks 9?12) after aggravating his sprained ankle during a Week 8 loss at the
New York Jets
the previous week.
[39]
He finished the
2000 season
with 99 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception in 11 games and 11 starts.
[22]
2001
[
edit
]
Defensive coordinator
Jim Bates
retained Thomas as the starting middle linebacker. He started alongside
Twan Russell
and Derrick Rodgers to begin the 2001 regular season.
[40]
He started in the
Miami Dolphins'
season-opener at the
Tennessee Titans
and recorded nine combined tackles, deflected two passes, and returned an interception for a touchdown in their 31?23 victory.
[41]
Thomas intercepted a pass by Titans backup quarterback
Neil O'Donnell
, that was intended for tight end
Erron Kinney
, and returned it for a 34-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
[42]
The following week, he collected a career-high 18 combined tackles (nine solo) during an 18?15 victory against the
Oakland Raiders
in Week 2.
[41]
In Week 5, he recorded nine combined tackles and made a season-high 1.5 sacks as the Dolphins lost 21?17 at the
New York Jets
.
[41]
Thomas finished the
2001 season
with 154 combined tackles (94 solo), three sacks, two pass deflections, two interceptions, and a touchdown in 15 games and 15 starts.
[43]
Head coach Dave Wannstedt chose to rest Thomas during the Dolphins' Week 17 win against the
Buffalo Bills
as they had already clinched a playoff berth. Thomas was also selected to play in the
2002 Pro Bowl
.
The Miami Dolphins finished second in the AFC East in 2001 with an 11?5 record. On January 13, 2002, Thomas recorded 22 combined tackles (14 solo) during the Dolphins' 20?3 loss against the
Baltimore Ravens
in the AFC Wildcard Game.
[41]
2002
[
edit
]
Thomas returned as the starting middle linebacker under head coach Dave Wannstedt and started alongside outside linebackers Derrick Rodgers and
Morlon Greenwood
.
[44]
On December 29, 2002, Thomas collected a season-high 16 combined tackles (11 solo) in the Dolphins' 27-24 loss at the
New England Patriots
in Week 17.
[45]
He started in all 16 games in
2002
and recorded 156 combined tackles (101 solo), two pass deflections, an interception, and was credited with half a sack.
[43]
2003
[
edit
]
On March 27, 2003, the Miami Dolphins signed Thomas to a five-year,
$
33.75 million contract extension that included a signing bonus of $10.50 million. The agreement kept him under contract with Miami through
2008
.
[46]
[47]
On November 2, 2003, Thomas collected a season-high 19 combined tackles (12 solo) in the Dolphins' 23?17 loss to the
Indianapolis Colts
in Week 9.
[48]
He was inactive for the Dolphins' Week 10 loss at the
Tennessee Titans
due to a
groin
injury.
[49]
On November 27, 2003, Thomas made six combined tackles, a pass deflection, a sack, and an interception during a 40?21 victory at the
Dallas Cowboys
in Week 13. Thomas intercepted a pass by Cowboys' quarterback
Quincy Carter
, that was intended for wide receiver
Terry Glenn
, in the fourth quarter.
[50]
He finished the
2002 season
with 152 combined tackles
(84 solo), six pass deflections, three interceptions, and a sack in 15 games and 15 starts.
[43]
Thomas was selected to play in the
2004 Pro Bowl
and earned his fifth All-Pro selection in six years.
2004
[
edit
]
Thomas started alongside Morlon Greenwood and
Junior Seau
in 2004 after the Dolphins signed Seau during free agency.
[51]
On November 9, 2004, head coach
Dave Wannstedt
unexpectedly announced his resignation as the Miami Dolphins' head coach after they declined and fell to a 1?8 record. Defensive coordinator
Jim Bates
was promoted to interim head coach for the last seven games of the regular season.
[52]
Thomas injured his
hamstring
and was sidelined for three games (Weeks 13?15).
[53]
On December 26, 2004, Thomas collected a season-high 18 combined tackles (nine solo) during the Dolphins' 10?7 victory against the
Cleveland Browns
in Week 16.
[54]
He finished the
2004 NFL season
with 145 combined tackles (85 solo), four pass deflections, and two sacks in 13 games and 13 starts.
[43]
The Miami Dolphins finished with a disappointing record of 4?12 and the remaining coaching staff was fired after the season.
2005
[
edit
]
Head coach
Nick Saban
retained Thomas as the starting middle linebacker in 2005. Thomas started
the 2005 season alongside outside linebackers
Channing Crowder
and
Junior Seau
.
[55]
He also played under defensive coordinator
Richard Smith
and linebackers coach
George Edwards
.
In Week 3, he collected a season-high 16 combined tackles (nine solo), broke up a pass, and made a sack during a 27?24 win against the
Carolina Panthers
. On October 21, 2005, Thomas made 14 combined tackles (eight solo) as the Dolphins lost 30?20 to the
Kansas City Chiefs
in Week 7. His 14 combined tackles against the Chiefs continued his streak of six consecutive games with double-digit tackles. In Week 11, Thomas injured his shoulder and was inactive for the next two games (Weeks 12?13).
[56]
On December 11, 2005, Thomas recorded 11 combined tackles (nine solo), broke up a pass, and intercepted a pass attempt by Chargers' quarterback
Drew Brees
as the Dolphins defeated the
San Diego Chargers
23?21 in Week 15.
[57]
On December 19, 2005, it was announced that Thomas was selected to play in the
2006 Pro Bowl
, marking his seventh
Pro Bowl
selection of his career.
[58]
He tied for the third most Pro Bowl appearances in club history; this is also the record for most Pro Bowl selections among all defensive players in the Dolphins'
franchise history. Thomas finished his tenth season in
2005
with 158 combined tackles (104 solo), three pass deflections, two sacks, and two interceptions in 14 games and 14 starts.
[43]
2006
[
edit
]
On January 23, 2006, the Miami Dolphins hired former
Houston Texans'
head coach
Dom Capers
as their new defensive coordinator. Capers opted to retain Thomas as the starting middle linebacker and named Channing Crowder and Donnie Spragan the starting outside linebackers.
[59]
In Week 11, he collected 17 combined tackles (four solo) in a 24?20 victory against the
Minnesota Vikings
. The following week, he recorded six solo tackles, broke up a pass, and made two sacks on Lions'quarterback
Jon Kitna
during a 27?10 victory at the
Detroit Lions
in Week 12.
[60]
On December 17, 2006, Thomas recorded a career-high 21 combined tackles during a 21?0 loss at the
Buffalo Bills
in Week 15.
[61]
On December 20, 2006, Thomas was selected to play in the
2007 Pro Bowl
as part of the AFC Roster.
[62]
Thomas started all 16 games in
2006
and recorded a career-high 165 combined tackles (103 solo), nine passes defensed, three sacks, and an interception.
[43]
2007
[
edit
]
On January 3, 2007, Miami Dolphins' head coach
Nick Saban
resigned from his position to accept the head coaching job with the
University of Alabama
. Saban resigned after repeatedly denying he would accept the position.
[63]
The Dolphins hired the
San Diego Chargers'
offensive coordinator
Cam Cameron
. Cameron retained Dom Capers as the defensive coordinator and George Edwards as the linebackers coach. Thomas remained the starting middle linebacker, alongside outside linebackers Channing Crowder and
Joey Porter
.
[64]
He started in the
Miami Dolphins'
season-opener at the
Washington Redskins
and collected a season-high 13 combined tackles (nine solo) and made one sack in their 16?13 loss.
On September 16, 2007, Thomas recorded ten combined tackles and broke up two passes before exiting the game due to a concussion he suffered while tackling Cowboys'
fullback
Oliver Hoyte
in the third quarter of their 37?10 loss to the
Dallas Cowboys
.
His concussion rendered him inactive for the next two games (Weeks 3?4). On October 21, 2007, Thomas was involved in a car collision and sustained another concussion during the accident. His repeated concussions caused Thomas to have migraine headaches that lingered until being placed on the
injured reserve list
.
[65]
On December 4, 2007, the Miami Dolphins officially placed Thomas on injured reserve after he missed five games (Weeks 8?13) due to his
repeated migraine headaches.
[66]
On December 20, 2007, the Miami Dolphins hired
Bill Parcells
as their head of football operations.
[67]
Thomas finished the
2007 season
with 52 combined tackles (42 solo), two pass deflections, and a sack in five games and five starts.
[43]
2008
[
edit
]
On January 1, 2008, the Miami Dolphins fired head coach Cam Cameron after a 1?15 record.
[68]
On February 14, 2008, the Miami Dolphins released Thomas after announcing that he no longer fit into their long term plans and his contract was terminated.
[69]
Thomas received offers from the Dallas Cowboys,
New Orleans Saints
and
New England Patriots
.
Dallas Cowboys
[
edit
]
On February 23, 2008, the
Dallas Cowboys
signed Thomas to a one-year, $3 million contract that included a signing bonus of $1 million.
[70]
The signing of Thomas surprised media and observers, considering that he didn't have the previous experience or the size to play in the Cowboys
3-4 defense
. After he joined the roster, the Cowboys traded
linebacker
Akin Ayodele
to the
Miami Dolphins
to clear space for Thomas to become a starter at
inside linebacker
.
[71]
Thomas started alongside
Bradie James
and outside linebackers
DeMarcus Ware
and
Greg Ellis
.
[72]
In Week 4, he collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (six solo) during the Cowboys' 26?24 loss to the
Washington Redskins
.
[73]
He finished the season with 94 combined tackles (65 solo), three pass deflections, and a sack in 16 games and 14 starts.
[43]
Kansas City Chiefs
[
edit
]
An
unrestricted free agent
in the 2009 offseason, Thomas agreed to terms with the
Kansas City Chiefs
on April 11.
[74]
The one-year contract was worth $2 million.
[75]
He suffered a concussion early in training camp and was eventually released on September 5, after not playing in any exhibition games.
[76]
In October, he filed a grievance against the Chiefs for releasing him without an injury settlement while recovering.
[77]
Retirement
[
edit
]
On May 18, 2010, the Miami Dolphins signed Thomas to a one-day ceremonial contract, officially worth $1, in order to retire as a member of the Miami Dolphins.
Awards and honors
[
edit
]
In addition to being a seven-time All-Pro selection by the
Associated Press
and a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Thomas earned the following awards and honors in his NFL career:
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month (October 1996)
- All-Rookie selection by
College & Pro Football Newsweekly
,
The Football News
,
Pro Football Weekly
and Pro Football Writers of America (1996)
- AFC
Defensive Rookie of the Year (1996)
- Dolphins' 1996 Unsung Hero Award as selected by
NFLPA
- Dolphins MVP and Newcomer of the Year by
South Florida
media (1996)
- AFC Defensive Player of the Month (September 1998)
- 2× NFL Alumni Association's Linebacker of the Year (1998, 2006)
- First-team All-Pro selection by the
USA Today
,
College & Pro Football Newsweekly
and
Football Digest
(1998)
- 1998 All-
Madden
Team (1998)
- 3× Dolphins' Leadership Award (1998, 1999, 2005)
- Weeks 1 & 16 2001 AFC Defensive Player of the Week (2001)
- Dolphins MVP by South Florida media and fans (2001)
- All-Iron Team as selected by
CBS
analyst
Phil Simms
(2001)
- PFWA Dolphins Chapter "Good Guy" Award (2001)
- First-team
Pro Football Weekly
All-AFC (2002)
- First-team
Sports Illustrated
All-Pro (2003)
- Second-team
Football Digest
All-Pro (2003)
- Week 14 AFC Defensive Player of the Week (2005)
- All-AFC selection by
Pro Football Weekly
and the Pro Football Writers of America (2006)
- Only two linebackers currently in the Hall of Fame have more combined tackles. Ray Lewis (2,061) and Junior Seau (1,846).
In 2006, Zach Thomas was inducted into the
Texas Tech
Hall of Fame. In 2015, Thomas was inducted into the
College Football Hall of Fame
and the following year in 2016, was inducted into the
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Ring of Honor.
In 2012, Thomas was inducted into the
Miami Dolphins Honor Roll
alongside his teammate Jason Taylor. Thomas became eligible for the
Pro Football Hall of Fame
beginning in 2014, and would become a semi-finalist for the first time in 2019. He would then reach being a finalist for election the next three years from 2020 to 2022. After being a finalist for a 4th consecutive year in his 10th overall year of eligibility, on February 9, 2023, Zach Thomas was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
NFL career statistics
[
edit
]
Legend
|
|
Led the league
|
Bold
|
Career high
|
Regular season
[
edit
]
Year
|
Team
|
Games
|
Tackles
|
Interceptions
|
Fumbles
|
GP
|
GS
|
Cmb
|
Solo
|
Ast
|
Sck
|
Int
|
Yds
|
TD
|
PD
|
FF
|
FR
|
Yds
|
TD
|
1996
|
MIA
|
16
|
16
|
154
|
120
|
34
|
2.0
|
3
|
64
|
1
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
7
|
0
|
1997
|
MIA
|
15
|
15
|
128
|
78
|
50
|
0.5
|
1
|
10
|
0
|
8
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1998
|
MIA
|
16
|
16
|
137
|
86
|
51
|
2.0
|
3
|
21
|
2
|
7
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1999
|
MIA
|
16
|
16
|
134
|
85
|
49
|
1.0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
9
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
2000
|
MIA
|
11
|
11
|
99
|
56
|
43
|
1.5
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
2001
|
MIA
|
15
|
15
|
155
|
95
|
60
|
3.0
|
2
|
51
|
1
|
4
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
2002
|
MIA
|
16
|
16
|
156
|
100
|
56
|
0.5
|
1
|
7
|
0
|
4
|
0
|
1
|
22
|
0
|
2003
|
MIA
|
15
|
15
|
153
|
85
|
68
|
1.0
|
3
|
21
|
0
|
10
|
1
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
2004
|
MIA
|
13
|
13
|
145
|
85
|
60
|
2.0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
4
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
2005
|
MIA
|
14
|
14
|
162
|
107
|
55
|
2.0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
3
|
4
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
2006
|
MIA
|
16
|
16
|
165
|
103
|
62
|
3.0
|
1
|
-4
|
0
|
8
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
2007
|
MIA
|
5
|
5
|
52
|
42
|
10
|
1.0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
2008
|
DAL
|
16
|
14
|
94
|
65
|
29
|
1.0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
3
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
Career
[5]
|
184
|
182
|
1,734
|
1,107
|
627
|
20.5
|
17
|
170
|
4
|
68
|
16
|
8
|
29
|
0
|
Personal life
[
edit
]
Thomas was raised in Pampa, Texas by his parents, Steve and Bobby Thomas. He has an older brother, Bart Thomas, and younger sister, Katina Thomas. Katina was married to Thomas' Dolphins' teammate,
Jason Taylor
, from 2000 to 2015 and has three children with him.
[78]
Katina filed for divorce on January 25, 2015, and it was officially finalized on February 10, 2015.
[79]
Thomas' father, Steve Thomas, is the builder and proprietor of the second largest cross in the Western Hemisphere, located in
Groom, Texas
.
[80]
Thomas is married to Maritza Thomas.
For the first three-years of his career Thomas earned the league minimum and lived with teammate
Larry Izzo
.
References
[
edit
]
- ^
"Zach Thomas | Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site"
.
- ^
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.
- ^
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.
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.
- ^
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.
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b
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.
- ^
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. ESPN
. Retrieved
December 21,
2013
.
- ^
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.
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. March 26, 2007. Archived from
the original
on September 29, 2007.
- ^
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.
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. Retrieved
January 12,
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.
- ^
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.
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. Retrieved
December 24,
2021
.
- ^
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- ^
"Dolphins 39 Broncos 19"
.
washingtonpost.com
. August 5, 1997
. Retrieved
September 7,
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.
- ^
"Miami's Thomas Back in the Middle"
.
articles.latimes.com
. September 7, 1997
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"1997 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players"
.
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. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
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.
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. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (1997)"
.
NFL.com
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"1998 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players"
.
pro-football-reference.com
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins - September 20th, 1998"
.
pro-football-reference.com
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (1998)"
.
NFL.com
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"Miami Dolphins at Oakland Raiders - December 6th, 1998"
.
pro-football-reference.com
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"NFL #0 Zach Thomas -ESPN (1998)"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"Zach Thomas Stays With Dolphins"
.
apnews.com
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"THOMAS PASSES MARINO AS DOLPHINS' HIGHEST-PAID PLAYER",
Miami Herald
, September 13, 1999.
- ^
"NFL #0 Zach Thomas -ESPN (1999)"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
Noble, Charlie (January 17, 2000).
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.
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. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"NFL #0 Zach Thomas -ESPN (career)"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"Miami's Thomas won't play"
.
articles.latimes.com
. November 9, 2000
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"Dolphins' Thomas will sit out again"
.
articles.latimes.com
. November 18, 2000
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"2001 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players"
.
pro-football-reference.com
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
a
b
c
d
"NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (2001)"
.
NFL.com
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans - September 9th, 2001"
.
pro-football-reference.com
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
"NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (career)"
.
NFL.com
. Retrieved
September 7,
2018
.
- ^
"2002 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players"
.
pro-football-reference.com
. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
"NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (2002)"
.
NFL.com
. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
Price, Jeff (March 28, 2003).
"Zach Thomas signs contract extension with Dolphins"
.
USA Today
. Retrieved
April 12,
2008
.
- ^
"Dolphins extend Thomas' contract"
.
The New York Times
. March 29, 2003
. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
"NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (2003)"
.
NFL.com
. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
"Miami Dolphins' linebacker Zach Thomas will be miss Sunday's game"
.
articles.chicagotribune.com
. November 9, 2003
. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
"Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys - November 27th, 2003"
.
pro-football-reference.com
. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
"2004 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players"
.
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. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
Battista, Judy (November 10, 2004).
"Discord in Miami as Wannstedt Quits"
.
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. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
"Jaguars' Leftwich Is Ready to Return"
.
articles.latimes.com
. November 25, 2004
. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
"NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (2004)"
.
NFL.com
. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
"2005 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players"
.
pro-football-reference.com
. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
"Dolphins Lose Seau for Season"
.
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.
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. November 25, 2005
. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
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.
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September 8,
2018
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- ^
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.
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. December 21, 2005
. Retrieved
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.
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. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
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.
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. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
"NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (2006)"
.
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. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
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.
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. December 19, 2006
. Retrieved
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.
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. January 4, 2007
. Retrieved
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- ^
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.
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. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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.
upi.com
. November 9, 2007
. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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.
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. February 26, 2008
. Retrieved
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.
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. December 20, 2007
. Retrieved
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- ^
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.
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. January 4, 2008
. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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.
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. February 15, 2008
. Retrieved
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2016
.
- ^
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"Thomas appears headed home to Texas, deal with Dallas"
.
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. Retrieved
November 30,
2016
.
- ^
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.
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. April 25, 2008
. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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.
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. Retrieved
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- ^
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.
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. Retrieved
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2018
.
- ^
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.
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. April 13, 2009
. Retrieved
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2016
.
- ^
"Zach Thomas Contract Details Revealed"
. April 12, 2009.
- ^
"Chiefs announce roster moves"
. Kansas City Chiefs. September 5, 2009. Archived from
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on September 8, 2009
. Retrieved
September 5,
2009
.
- ^
"Thomas was among Chiefs' final cuts"
.
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. October 4, 2009
. Retrieved
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2016
.
- ^
Jason Taylor Almost Quit
Archived
March 27, 2009, at the
Wayback Machine
Florida Sun-Sentinel, June 21, 2007
- ^
"Miami Dolphins legend Jason Taylor secretly divorced in 2015. Now, he's being sued"
.
miamiherald.com
. August 3, 2017
. Retrieved
September 8,
2018
.
- ^
[1]
Act Two. Does Size Matter If You're Talking About a Cross? This American Life, Ep. 202: Faith
External links
[
edit
]
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Offense
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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denotes members who have been elected, but not yet inducted.
|