The wait for Zach Thomas to get the respect that he deserves from Canton, Ohio continues, just as we all continue to lie in wait for the return of NFL football, which is now 54 days away for Dolphins fans. And as we reach this landmark, we honor our own #54 — the one and only Zach Thomas.
The argument has already been made that Thomas’ enshrinement into Canton is well overdue, especially considering the warm welcome that former Chicago Bears LB Brian Urlacher was given in his first year of eligibility. And if that weren’t bad enough, former San Francisco 49ers LB Patrick Willis will be eligible for enshrinement in 2020.
Willis, who retired after the 2014 season at the age of 30 and made 7 Pro Bowls and 5 1st-team All-Pro squads — numbers that are equal to the numbers that Thomas put up with the Dolphins, but in only 8 seasons of play vs. 13 seasons for Thomas.
Whether Willis ends up in front of Thomas in the queue or not, the wait for Canton doesn’t have an easy end in sight. This despite the fact that Thomas was at the peak of his position for a good part of his playing career. Take Thomas’ stretch from 2001 to 2006. Thomas twice led the NFL in tackles and only once finished with less than 150 total tackles (145 in 2004 while playing in only 13 games). He logged 8 interceptions, 8.5 sacks and 33 passes defensed over that time.
Thomas was a dominant force of nature for six seasons into his late 30s. If Canton doesn’t want to recognize him for that, we’re more than happy to do so here.
Here’s to you, Zach!
