He gets hired here and Im thinking Im ready to learn this new defense, a 3-4, and I guess he didnt think I fit the part, Thomas says. The somber thoughts often drifted into Jason Taylor's mind as he friend and brother-in-law Zach Thomas. Armando Salguero has covered the Miami Dolphins and the NFL since 1990, so longer than many players on the current roster have been alive and since many coaches on the team were in middle school. Jenna and Zach married in 2021 and welcomed a baby boy together. But that simply wasnt possible. I felt bad for a while because I thought that was a reason he didnt sign with us at the time, Thomas says, But Kevin told me the Dolphins didnt offer him a contract, and thats the reason he didnt sign.. It can also be about direct comparison. And if it wasnt a lead draw, Id have been in trouble, but I hit it and made the tackle. Those children, his marriage, are his job. But Katina sees a correlation between Isaiah and her brother, Zach Thomas. Together, the duo shared a lot of love and an even bigger ego. Two other numbers have been shadow retired, with Zach Thomas number 54 Not exactly setting the league alight. Zach certainly has the stats. Thomas was inducted in 2012 into the Dolphin Honor Roll along with Jason Taylor, the other half of the Dolphins' Thomas, you see, kept notes that eventually grew into entire notebooks on teams and offensive coordinators. Thomas played only five games in that wasteland of a season. I dont look the part. To me, is he a Hall of Famer? I was dead tired after running so far, Taylor said. On the other hand the former Bears player forced 11 fumbles as a player whilst Thomas forced 16. On behalf of the entire Dolphins organization and our fans around the world, I want to congratulate Zach on his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said. Katina Thomas boyfriend, But I understood. Were eating and Nick asks me what I think of Kevin, Thomas says. For me to sit here and say I deserve being in the Hall of Fame, thats just not me. He is one of 48 Pro Football Hall of Fame voters. I met her there and got her number this time. MIAMI Miami Dolphins great Jason Taylor and ex-wife Katina Taylor have agreed to dismiss a lawsuit she brought against him earlier this year to Katina was adamant she wanted Jason to come up with $3.4 million she claimed he still owed her in alimony. I would always say no, but I said, Im coming with you. So we would have never met if Junior hadnt brought me out. The problem is Thomas sustained multiple serious concussions that year. So now Im in his head. The tough decisions are picking which real estate investment to try and what workout to do to keep trim. ZACH THOMAS' HALL OF FAME CREDENTIALS. So theyre telling me, Theyre trying to trade you right now.. But I used it all the time in Washington and I still But if I called out that one play in a game, hed be thinking I know whats coming the whole game. So before every game I would tell the ref, This is the most holdingest center in the league. And he heard about it, and before the next game he sent me a Xerox copy of his hands.. Traffic came to a real fast stop, Thomas says. During his induction speech he gave props to Thomas, who he faced 16 times during his 16-year NFL career. The somber thoughts often drifted into Jason Taylor's mind as he friend and brother-in-law Zach Thomas. Well he has 22 interceptions to his name whilst Zach has 17. Lets just agree that it was a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties. And the truck behind us didnt even hit their brakes before they hit us. The other Dolphins in the Hall are coach Don Shula; quarterbacks Bob Griese and Dan Marino; centers Jim Langer and Dwight Stephenson; fullback Larry Csonka; guard Larry Little; and receiver Paul Warfield. He wanted to rip into somebody. Couldnt believe it.. And whats crazy is after it died down, and Im not naming the coaches, but a couple of them came up together and said, Youre our hero, man. Because he treated them pretty badly, Thomas says. So before the play, I see this and Peyton is calling signals, and I yell, Lead draw! Thomas says. When asked about whether Thomas belonged in the Hall of Fame he had this to say, Theres a handful of guys that I played with that are elite status as far as players, people, competitors, teammates, and Zach Thomas is No. He also becomes the second linebacker chosen, joining the late Nick Buoniconti. Zachs accomplishments on the field made him one of the greatest players in NFL history. Then on the turnpike ride home, with Maritza driving, the couple was rear-ended. And, oh yes, the stories he authored are fascinating. Former Miami Dolphin, Zach Thomas introduced his teammate, Jason Taylor to his sister, Katina. She grew up in Texas with her brothers, Zach and Bart. Both Zach and Katina graduated from Texas Tech University, where she earned her degree in broadcast journalism. But I definitely dont want to disrespect the game by thinking I deserve any of it. I met with Belichick. Parcells cut Thomas. Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas plays a pick-up game of soccer in Davie, Florida, Tuesday, January, 21, 2020. You never replace that, going back and forth with one of the best in the game.. In 184 games Thomas had 1107 solo tackles (6.01 per game). Katina Thomas-Taylor sued him in 2017 because she claimed he fell short on his promise by $3.4 million. And they just beat us at home, Thomas laments. And Im grateful to football. Your email address will not be published. And I said, No disrespect, but there are so many other guys who have already gone home. 53 instead, which in New England belonged to former teammate and roommate Larry Izzo. Here are the 17 linebackers drafted ahead of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas in 1996, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. As we can see they both forced a fairly even number of turnovers or turnover opportunities all told. Does Zach Thomas belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? He was a 2016 APSE Top 3 columnist nationwide. Here are the 17 linebackers drafted ahead of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas in 1996. His secret? Mawae and Thomas, the great center and great linebacker, were rivals. Zach Thomas is a 49 year old American Football (American) Player. I could never have accomplished this without your love and support. Zach has all the history with the guy going from a 5th* round pick by Jimmy to 2 time 1st team All-pro selection before Jimmy Retired beginning of 99 The same year Thomas had 162 tackles (13 for a loss), 3 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 2 sacks. He is an Associated Press All-Pro and awards voter. Like it or not, those who make a fuss in an entertainment business (which sport essentially is) can often capture the attention. Ive been doubted my whole life and Ive used that. Saying that would make me feel Im being ungrateful. Born Zachary Michael Yes, Zach got on one knee. She is famous for sister of NFL player Zach Thomas. Those past teams came to their regular seasons with plans more than hope. Taylor was enshrined in 2017. Im looking forward to celebrating this with all of you. Zach made 182 starts over his 13 season career whilst Urlacher made 180 over his 13 year career. The more I thought about it though the more ridiculous that seemed. I didnt know he was a starter. To have played at Texas Tech and then be drafted by the Dolphins was the ultimate. Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Miami area sports - only $1 a month. Bill Parcells took the reins of the team, along with head coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland. But Im not knocking Saban. And on the first play of the first inside drill of 2009 training camp, Thomas blew up the lead fullback and sustained another concussion and he could not practice or play. Saban eventually brought Thomas into his office and the two made peace. Perhaps Urlacher was better at forcing turnovers? Does he belong? shouldnt even be a question, the Miami Dolphins great deserves to be in, of that I am in no doubt. You know, I was two-time all-state, but I dont get offered, he said. And two of his most decorated proteges, Bill Belichick in New England and Sean Payton in New Orleans, must have thought that a mistake because they tried to sign Thomas. Two other numbers have been shadow retired, with Zach Thomas number 54 and Jason Taylors 99 no longer used by the franchise. The 2023 season is the time to finally honor those two players and put their numbers in the same standing as the other legendary numbers. I feel like Zachs focus now is being a great father and husband. Thomas knew he had another concussion. Required fields are marked *. Maritza is listening to these stories with a smile. In NO way. He pretty much told me, next time a coach is coaching you, you shut the [expletive] up. And soon, Saban came to love the player he initially wanted to trade so much so that the following offseason when the Dolphins were recruiting Pro Bowl center Kevin Mawae as an unrestricted free agent, Saban asked Thomas to accompany him to dinner with Mawae to convince the player to sign with Miami. Im the leader of this defense, man., Im good with being called out, thats fine. The 2021 Miami Dolphins? He was a sports enthusiast as a kid and Thomas friends noticed early on that he was a bit different than the other local youth. That was tension. Zach Thomas is holding his wife Maritzas hand as they sit in the gazebo by their pool. He wasnt demonstrative, but Zach Thomas was top of the tree good a true great at his position. Thats humbling, Thomas said. I look up and I could tell Peyton was wondering howd you know? , Peyton was the best in the business. Obviously I think (know) that Zach Thomas should be in the Hall of Fame. Its all about perception play on a successful team (the Bears were 126-98 & went to a Superbowl during Urlachers career), and you get the recognition. Start with the time Nick Saban wanted to trade Zach Thomas. As great as he was on the field, he is even better as a family man and a role model. Teammates marveled at how many hours Thomas would spend each week studying film, searchingfor even the slightest edge over the upcoming opponent. In 168 games for the Dolphins all starts he had 1,640 tackles and 19.5 sacks. An award Zach never received. 54 in Miami. Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached athhabib@pbpost.com and followed on Twitter@gunnerhal. God bless, Tua Tagovailoa throws interception. So in 2009, Thomas signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Thomas was inducted in 2012 into the Dolphin Honor Roll along with Jason Taylor, the other half of the Dolphins' dynamic defensive duo of the 2000s. She was there with friends because it was ladies night. I believe in that stuff. 1 on that list., He made everybody that played with him better. Yes, life has changed for Thomas since he stopped playing in 2009. You might say theyre a team of hope. Jimmy Johnson came to me and was like, Zach, were starting you. And Im right in front of my defense. He has covered 25 Super Bowls, the NBA Finals, and the Olympics. Well thats over now. The pressure now is getting Christian to his soccer practice and games on time. Absolutely.. By Armando Salguero Back then they were miking the refs and I didnt know about it, Thomas says. I hear Bill Belichick does it to Tom Brady. Then theres the issue of the Dolphins during Thomas time there. NFL Draft Hub: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis, Thomas' childhood:Dolphins legend Zach Thomas says handicap as preschooler instilled work ethic. Katina, 42, who happens to be the sister of former Taylor teammate Zach Now his former teammate Zach Thomas, who spent 11 seasons with the Dolphins Opponent and team-mate are in agreement and that theme of being overlooked is there again. And that was him exploding into tackles a whopping 1,734 of them before anyone got the better of him. Seeing his bust in Canton will complete a storybook climb for Thomas, who arrived in South Florida with little fanfare. When he regained consciousness, Thomas wanted to keep playing as it was before the NFLs concussion protocol rules. Should that reflect on Thomas? It certainly wasnt that way when Thomas and Saban were yelling at each other during a practice in the fall of 2005. The conversation got far enough along that Belichick told Thomas he probably wouldnt be able to take Tedy Bruschis jersey number 54, the one Thomas wore in Miami. I went to the sideline, but I couldnt sit down because I was falling asleep on the bench, Thomas says. So for me, even in my early years, I knew every one of the 17 linebackers that went ahead of me. Yet Zach Thomas had a much more productive career in terms of tackles per game. After a preseason game, Junior Seau says, You want to go out with me tonight? Thomas recalls. Former Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson will be his presenter. And Im going to be here when you get here to work and Im going to be here when you leave. When I look at back to being an 8-year-old kid starting football, I had big dreams and for it to play out like it has, Im grateful. She graduated Nova Southeastern University with a doctorate in Pharmacy degree but she never was a huge football fan, especially not in 2003 when she and Thomas met. He was one of the most reliable and consistent facets of the team during that whole period. It wasnt until months later when they ran into each other again in Fort Lauderdale that they clicked. Equal to his peers. He recalls playing Hall of Fame running backs like Marshall Faulk and Curtis Martin and fondly speaks of his meetings against Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, which felt as much like a chess match as a football game. (No, this isnt going to be a rip job on Cameron, whose 2007 team managed only one victory in 16 games). For a while Jason Taylor & Zach Thomas were the beating heart of the Dolphins D. Taylor was enshrined in Canton in 2017. The following season the Dolphins had a new administration in charge again. The defensive duo combined for 13 Pro Bowl selections during their And it was another reason to think he better do this somewhere different because there were so many other guys that he drafted that were just lazy that he needed to rip into and never did. Jason Taylor deserved better. WebHe actually drafted and coached Zach, Jason Taylor, Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain during his tenure as Miamis head coach. And they decided it was time for Thomas and the Dolphins to go their separate ways. The Saints soon wanted Thomas, and in retrospect Thomas admits not going there is one of my few regrets.. So much that Thomas says, I made pressure my friend.. But as the rest of the team was floundering, Thomas was flourishing, averaging more than 10 tackles per game and collecting tackles for loss, passes defensed, and quarterback hits. In the stands, at about the 40yard line, there were several of Taylors family members, including his mother (Katina), younger sister (Zoe) and uncle (Zach Thomas, the seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker). Your support means everything to me.. Urlacher put in 315 assists on tackles (1.73 per game), Thomas had 627 career assists (3.4 per game). I want to stay. A lot of Hall of Fame voting can come down to statistics. He was the archetypal character that NFL commentators love to label a Bring his own lunch-pail to work guy. I knew right then I was going to have issues when the symptoms kicked in.. I havent even thought that far up., The 17th LB in draft?Oops! Because I am a Dolphin for life. The Dolphins already had veteran Jack Del Rio. He and Zach had significant cultural differences because Lozanos first home in the United States was in Queens, New York, and he was a New York Jets fan. Together, they formed the heart and soul of the Dolphins defense from 1996-2007. He instead celebrates the years that came before. Ill be the first to admit that Urlacher outstrips Thomas in sacks by a factor of two to one but then Thomas was making far more tackles per game. I told him, I dont think Im the right guy to try to make a point with. I didnt know anything about football, Maritza says. It gave me purpose, it gave me family, it gave me wealth. "You cant take me out.". But all that enjoyment didnt exactly bloom early in their relationship. Thomas sat out three weeks. Maritzas father Guillermo Lozano immigrated from Bogota when he was 19 years old. So for me, wow, man. But I used it all the time in Washington and I still got lost." "I want to thank my family for all the sacrifices they made for me over the years. This undersized linebacker was chosen 154th overall in 1996 and coincidentally assigned jersey No. To where? And they told me it was to Green Bay. They went 108-100 and went 3-6 in the playoffs. Mawae, who has enormous hands, sent the Xerox to the Dolphins facility in Davie for personal delivery to Thomas. Thomas was bummed, as he usually was after a loss. Thomas will be enshrined along with the other members of the Class of 2023: cornerback/safety Ronde Barber, coach Don Coryell, linebacker Chuck Howley, defensive end/defensive tackle/nose tackle Joe Klecko, cornerback Darrelle Revis, cornerback Ken Riley, offensive tackle Joe Thomas and linebacker/defensive end DeMarcus Ware. Thomas said he was unaware the selection process had been completed until Johnson popped up at his house unannounced, wearing his own gold jacket, which could only mean good news. WebDefensive End Jason Taylor was selected in the third round, 73rd player overall, in the 1997 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. I didnt like how he treated a couple of those guys, but he works in ways that no one gets too comfortable, too relaxed. The IDC (Internet Dolphins Community) have been very vocal in their displeasure about Zach not getting a mustard-colored jacket on all of the social media platforms. Habib: Hall voters didn't 'rob' Dolphins' Zach Thomas. And Miamis Pro Bowl linebacker and defensive leader found out about it. Then [Jason Taylor] jumps into it and everyones all wide-eyed getting into it back and forth.. Thomas went to Dallas instead. They say its 1/10th of 1 percent just to make it to the NFL. Katina Taylor, Ex-Wife Of Former Dolphins Star Jason And .. Coupled with the 2008 season spent with Dallas, Thomas finished his career with 1,734 tackles (74 for loss) and 20.5 sacks. I dont have to work right now -- even though it is work and challenging with kids. Dolphins have a problem but not what you think, Dolphins at Bears quickie reaction: Defense outstanding, Tagovailoa a work in progress, Dolphins live practice blog: One key player dressed, others not. His relationship with Zach Thomas, however, might be the one that made the deepest impact on Jason, both professionally and personally. fl-miami-dolphins-1010B - Retired Miami Dolphins linebackers Jason Taylor, left, and Zach Thomas, right, entered the Dolphins Ring of Honor on Tuesday, October 9, 2012. But the Hall of Famer whom Thomas will forever be most associated with is defensive end Jason Taylor. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Hes the man. 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