The Cleveland Browns and the institution of failure, While We’re Waiting
January 5, 2016Browns can end all the jokes with a big-name head coach
January 5, 2016Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas has repeatedly stated that he wants to remain with the Browns despite the dismal seasons that the team has gone through since he was drafted with the third overall pick in 2007. However, for the first time, Thomas seems to be at odds with his future in Cleveland following yet another head coach and general manager being fired in Cleveland.
During his exit interview with the media, the future Hall of Fame player did not sound particularly enthralled in another Cleveland Browns reboot.
“It doesn’t make you happy when you have to go through another coaching change.” Thomas said “It is tough on everybody. Coaching changes and organizational changes always set you back. It is a tough process to go through. Nobody is happy about it, and it is never easy.”
Although he was not happy, he admitted the firings were not a surprise, considering the Browns had just ended a 2015-16 campaign in which they had won just three games after starting the season 2-3.
“I wouldn’t say it was a surprise based on the reports that were out there going into the game.” Thomas admitted. “Just based on the record we had this season, 3-13 certainly isn’t good enough to keep your job almost anywhere.”
Obviously, going through as many coaching changes as he has gone through will always be tough, but these quotes are the first time that the 31-year old has shown a little anger toward the situation with the Browns, at least to the media.
The Wisconsin graduate has (finally) admitted that the team’s struggles have taken a toll on who he is, and, although he has been true to Cleveland and the Browns for the first nine years of his career, he is beginning to question things.
“You always think ‘Oh well, we’ll get it done tomorrow,’ but as you get older the tomorrows become fewer and far between and you become more reflective on your football mortality,” he said. “Who knows who is going to be back next year?…It’s tougher every time it happens because you realize you are closer to your end. Every time there is a reset it puts you further away from that goal of making the playoffs and, once you’re in, making that push for a Super Bowl, which is every player’s dream.”
The 9-time Pro Bowler who has never missed a snap, let alone a game (yes, you read that right) has been the face of the franchise for the Browns since his selection. However, Joe Thomas has never played in a playoff game.
“When there are changes in the front office and changes to the coaching staff, they may not want me – (they might want) to go younger,” he said following the Browns’ season-ending loss to the Steelers — again. “It may be a situation where I don’t want to be here. There are too many unknowns to say one way or the other.”
Thomas was also reportedly involved in trade talks in November 2015 – with him going to Denver for draft compensation. But, Thomas denied those rumors and said that he knew little about any trade discussions until after the trade deadline had passed.
With three years remaining on his $80.5 million deal, Thomas could be a hot commodity this off-season, especially for contender who needs a Pro Bowl left tackle to secure their offensive line.
When asked about Thomas’ comments, offensive lineman Joel Bitonio mentioned that he has yet to go through what the left tackle has gone through in Cleveland, but admitted he could see how tough it could be.
“I am sure he has had a lot of coaches and different general managers and stuff like that.” Bitonio noted. “It is a lot on you, especially for a guy that has played nine years now. He has been through so many different offenses and so many different things. I understand where his mind is at, but I respect his decision. He has been to nine Pro Bowls. He is going to do what is right for him and his family. I have no idea what that is. We will see how that goes. I think it is just something you get frustrated with over time.”
When asked directly if he wanted to leave, the future Hall of Famer responded with, “I have no idea. I will have to wait and see what happens with everything next week.”
Browns fans should hope Thomas continues his career in Cleveland and retires as a Cleveland Brown. But, then again, Thomas deserves to be on a team that makes the playoffs and has a chance to make the Super Bowl – and even win one. Not many players like to stay on a team that continually loses, but Thomas has done just that, and more, for the Browns.
For now, it is a waiting game to see if No. 73 will be securing the left side of the offensive line for his 10th season in Cleveland or if there will be a new face in 2016.
25 Comments
Thomas should do what’s best for his career and explore his options because playoffs sure won’t be happening here any time soon.
#FreeJoeThomas
I like Thomas, and if I were him, I would probably be fed up with the show in CLE, but I won’t feel sorry for these guys, or say they deserve to be somewhere else. They make a lot of money to play a game. They don’t make more money if they win. If he retires in CLE, he has been a great player, but why does he deserve to be on another team? Has he tried to help Erving at all, or is he helpless.
He re-signed here.
have you ever had a crappy job? One where the company is chaotic, there are middle management issues, no one seems to know what anyone else is supposed to do and you just go in every day hoping that you dont end up having to defend yourself for something that isnt your responsibility anyway (but poor management somehow makes it all your fault)? Its a grind. It sucks, and the worst part is knowing theres probably not a light at the end of the tunnel
When that happens to most people, they start sending out their resume and looking for greener pastures. No one wants to deal with a hopeless situation
He’s here because he decided to be here. The Browns have paid him just under 1/10th of a BILLION dollars. So no, not feeling sorry for him.
Yeah, I never got the whole “this guy is deserving of playing for a winner!” mentality. Yes, he’s a great player and all, but who says life ensures the great ones are entitled to the trophy?
Plenty of great players, good character guys, loyal guys, local guys, don’t get what they “deserve,” whatever that means.
When we’re in the wallowing mood, this always comes up. But instead of sending off our good players to better places, don’t we as great fans “deserve” a winner? Someone should pen a letter to the sports gods and let them know.
Crappy job that I would have to work for 7 years to make 80M without any ethical or moral reservations? Yes please. Work 1 year and not have to work another year in my life…hmmm…
i wonder … if joe thomas left next year , would the browns still retire his number ? probably not. if he played in cleveland for another 3 seasons & made the pro-bowl in each of those seasons , my guess is that they WOULD retire his number & he would be remembered as one of the all-time greats for the browns. does he want legacy or the chance to be in the playoffs ??
i think he’ll wait to see who the new coach is before he makes his mind up … but who would make him stay & who would make him want to leave ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuvEJ-U1UDc
The Browns HAVE to retire his number, regardless of what happens going forward. The Browns v.2.0 have had 21 Pro-Bowl seasons. Thomas accounts for nine of those. Seriously – if nine pro-bowls in nine seasons (five first team) isn’t worth retiring a number, what is?
Playing every snap, considered best in NFL (or close) each and every season despite the constant change of coaches, regimes, offenses, etc.
HOF, Retire his number, build a statue, and give the man a sandwich.
hi MG … i thought newsome , c.matthews & some others deserved that consideration as well & they never got it.
… and i do realize they weren’t in the pro-bowl every season. i think it had more to do with longevity & productivity.
I didn’t realize Newsome’s number isn’t retired. It should be as well imo.
if you look at the nfl record for games played , all of the top guys were kickers or punters … clay matthews played more games (278) that any other LB in the history of the nfl.
and as a side note : his brother bruce played the most games (296) of any OL in the history of the nfl … good blood lines.
not saying anyone should feel sorry, saying I understand if he wants to go. And mpore than likely, theres no way the “rebuild” is done before he declines, so might want to look at maximizing value for him while we can (I dont love the idea, but i has to be considered, at least)
I don’t think he has he’s under contract so unless he retires he’s a Brown. I think as time goes he’ll cool off and realize he still wants to play even if it’s for the Browns. I can’t see Thomas forcing a trade. He doesn’t seem like that kind of guy. Although I wouldn’t blame him if he did.
maybe if he was a better player the Browns would be better. Maybe if the Browns won games with him on the roster he would be deserving of going somewhere else. Just playing devil’s advocate.
He deserves the money he is paid because that’s his contract. That’s all he deserves.
I don’t want to hijack but i feel it’s appropriate to mention:
I know it’s going to be unpopular….but, in my opinion, the best NFL prospect – by FAR – is OT Laremy Tunsil. I think the Browns should draft him if he is available. Trade Joe T for a late first-rounder, draft his replacement and then go after Corey Coleman and/or Laquon Treadwell. I am a huge Treadwell fan.
I also like Clemson’s Lawson or PSU’s Nassib with the second-rounder.
And a Cleveland lunch box…
Wait, I think we are onto something. Joe Thomas came in the league in 2007, our last playoff year. The rest has been dismissal.
#TheCurseofJoeThomas!
All I want to know is, who is in charge of the TPS reports? We certainly don’t need to have three memos about them every week
That is how you deliver the sandwich.
Do it! I’m on board.
[But do the analytics support this idea?]