Joe Thomas has decided to retire, and the former All-Pro offensive tackle held his farewell press conference on Monday. While having to say goodbye to the game he loves was obviously an emotional experience, Thomas mixed in plenty of stand-up comedy.
When asked by reporters if he has received calls about possibly changing his mind and playing in 2018, Thomas took lighthearted swipes at some former Browns executives and players, including Johnny Manziel and ex-general manager Ray Farmer.
Joe Thomas, on the calls he's received since retirement.
"Ray Farmer tried to text me, but unfortunately it was during a game and he was suspended."— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) March 19, 2018
#Browns Joe Thomas cracks jokes about Kyle Shanahan presenting him with a power-point, Johnny trying to call him from the Money-phone, Ray Farmer texting him, etc.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 19, 2018
Joe Thomas says Brandon Weeden couldn't call because he was stuck under a flag. Sashi Brown didn't make the call in time. Yikes.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) March 19, 2018
Thomas covered a lot of Browns history with just a few short one-liners, but those of you who have followed the team know exactly what he was talking about. Browns executives once landed in hot water for calling down to the sideline during games to talk to coaches. The Manziel stuff is pretty self-explanatory, and the comment about former Cleveland exec Sashi Brown probably opened up the freshest wound. If you remember, there was talk of Brown intentionally sabotaging a trade at the deadline last season.
In addition to being one of the best offensive linemen to ever play, Thomas also has a great sense of humor. We’re almost certainly going to see him in a television role in the near future.
