The Cleveland Browns may be the most improved team on paper this offseason, but they are losing one of the most important players in franchise history.
On Wednesday, All-Pro offensive tackle Joe Thomas announced he is calling it a career after 11 NFL seasons.
“This was an extremely difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family,” Thomas said in a statement released by the Browns. “Playing in the NFL has taken a toll on my body and I can no longer physically compete at the level I need to.”
Thomas is one of the most respected players in the NFL. The 33-year-old saw his incredible iron man streak of 10,363 consecutive snaps played snapped last year when he tore his triceps muscle. Thomas recently said he was excited by all the moves the Browns have made this offseason, but he maintained that his retirement decision would be based solely on his health.
In addition to being one of the best offensive lineman to ever play, Thomas is also very outspoken. It likely won’t be long before he lands a role as a broadcaster or TV analyst.
