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. Two other numbers have been shadow retired, with Zach Thomas number 54 Dolphins enter 2021 season with hope in a lot of areas. 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. For me to sit here and say I deserve being in the Hall of Fame, thats just not me. Opponent and team-mate are in agreement and that theme of being overlooked is there again. Your support means everything to me.. Im getting paid a lot. Ive been doubted my whole life and Ive used that. And even months later when they called to bring him back, Thomas was still not recovered. And Nick asks, Whats that? And I said, Hes a cheap-shot Christian., And I explained with Kevin sitting there. Or he was my favorite player. . And I said, Oh, really? Taylor joined ESPN as a pro football analyst on June 6, Katina Thomas-Taylor sued him in 2017 because she claimed he fell short on his promise by $3.4 million. Start with the time Nick Saban wanted to trade Zach Thomas. Saying that would make me feel Im being ungrateful. Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor will be there for you to meet. 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 Does he belong? shouldnt even be a question, the Miami Dolphins great deserves to be in, of that I am in no doubt. So I just told him Im a grown-[expletive] man and told him to shut the [expletive] up. Couldnt believe it.. So I enjoyed the visit, but I couldnt pull the trigger. But Johnson immediately knew he had something special in the new kid. Urlacher was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee in the class of 2018. Theyre the Patriots.. I didnt know he was a starter. In December 2022, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Liliana Marie. They would go on to have quite similar career numbers (more below) but one was feted much more than the other. He also becomes the second linebacker chosen, joining the late Nick Buoniconti. The somber thoughts often drifted into Jason Taylor's mind as he friend and brother-in-law Zach Thomas. Both of them stand 5-foot-11, and both of them know what its like to be underrated. That was stress so much of it that Thomas would get blisters on his lip from the pressure. The honor comes in Thomas' fourth year as a Hall finalist. I told him, I dont think Im the right guy to try to make a point with. Recently, there has been a shroud of mystery over the current status of Zachary Todd and Alexandra Terans relationship. Because while Thomas reaped rewards and perhaps soon the biggest individual honor from the game, he poured heart and soul into the sport and made it more interesting and exciting for all of us. I dont have to work right now -- even though it is work and challenging with kids. Habib: Hall voters didn't 'rob' Dolphins' Zach Thomas. But that motivated me even more than usual, the Dolphins trying to get rid of me, thinking I couldnt play in that defense. View in 2021:Habib: Hall voters didn't 'rob' Dolphins' Zach Thomas. He is an Associated Press All-Pro and awards voter. Zach Thomas was not much of a self-promoter. That year he had 122 tackles, (17 for loss), 5 passes defended 1 forced fumble, no interceptions and 6 sacks. Katina Thomas boyfriend, 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. So he did give me a 1-on-1 but they wouldnt allow me to meet with [reporters] at the facility. WebKatina Thomas and Jason Taylor have been married for 21 years since Jun 2001. view relationship Relationships Katina Thomas has had no other relationships that we know of. The games been too good to me.. 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. Im like, Yes, sir. . Hes the man. I dont look the part. Jenna and Zach married in 2021 and welcomed a baby boy together. Tori Deal & Jordan Wiseley (Off) Tori Deal and Jordan Wiseley were considered one of the ultimate power couples. I guess when I came home and told my brothers, I said, This football player was asking for my number. And they asked, who and I told them Zach Thomas. Then theres the issue of the Dolphins during Thomas time there. And while coaches prepared their defense by showing players clips of the opponents previous three games, Thomas would spend time alone going back years. And thats the stuff I miss. WebDefensive End Jason Taylor was selected in the third round, 73rd player overall, in the 1997 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. While Thomas said he would remain patient through the process, insisting the game didn't owe him anything, his fans voiced louder objections with each passing year, pointing out that many of his statistics surpassed those of linebackers already enshrined. Zach made 182 starts over his 13 season career whilst Urlacher made 180 over his 13 year career. And I said, No disrespect, but there are so many other guys who have already gone home. The Chiefs cut him in training camp. But on the first play of the second game, [Dallas] brought in a LB at fullback to take me on. Thats why hes a winner.. But when Taylors choice was announced a few months back, it left more than a few wondering why he didnt pick Zach Thomas his former brother-in-law, close When he regained consciousness, Thomas wanted to keep playing as it was before the NFLs concussion protocol rules. 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.. After Saban left, the Dolphins hired Cam Cameron as their next coach. Yes, life has changed for Thomas since he stopped playing in 2009. For a while Jason Taylor & Zach Thomas were the beating heart of the Dolphins D. Taylor was enshrined in Canton in 2017. I believe in that stuff. This story was originally published January 24, 2020, 12:09 PM. She was there with friends because it was ladies night. So for me, wow, man. It was a great visit, Thomas says. I didnt like how he treated a couple of those guys, but he works in ways that no one gets too comfortable, too relaxed. Zach Thomas & Jason Taylor have just been inducted into the Dolphins Honor Roll! My first year with the Jets before my first game we played against each other, (Coach) Bill Parcells told me in front of my entire team, If you dont block Thomas, we wont win the game, and for the next 16 matchups I never forgot that. Between 1996 & 2008 they won two division titles. Jason Taylor is the Dolphins Hall of Fame defensive end and Zach Thomas is one of the 14 2020 Ninety-Nine Yards launched in 2018 and covers all aspects of the American football. He was a 2016 APSE Top 3 columnist nationwide. They went 108-100 and went 3-6 in the playoffs. Those past teams came to their regular seasons with plans more than hope. It was a joy to watch him play the game. The pressure now is getting Christian to his soccer practice and games on time. Bill Parcells took the reins of the team, along with head coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland. 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. 1 on that list., He made everybody that played with him better. Former Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson will be his presenter. I understood the whole business part of it. They would go on to have quite similar career numbers (more below) but one was feted much more than the other. So much that Thomas says, I made pressure my friend.. But as agent Drew Rosenhaus predicted to Thomas, if Belichick made him an offer, others would follow suit. But the Hall of Famer whom Thomas will forever be most associated with is defensive end Jason Taylor. And then in college, I was two-time All-American and then I go, the 154th pick. He was one of the most reliable and consistent facets of the team during that whole period. They brought me in and I had a 1-on-1 talk with Bill, Thomas says. ZACH THOMAS' HALL OF FAME CREDENTIALS. For It gave me purpose, it gave me family, it gave me wealth. Anything Zach does, hes going all the way, Maritza says. Here are the 17 linebackers drafted ahead of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas in 1996, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. I could never have accomplished this without your love and support. You never replace that, going back and forth with one of the best in the game.. These were guys that did a lot of the dirty work and I would go and clean up and Id get all the credit. Who was around in your era and how do you compare to them? 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 former NFL middle linebacker spent his career smack in the middle of chaos. 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. Each of you made me a better player and are a big part of where I am today. And if it wasnt a lead draw, Id have been in trouble, but I hit it and made the tackle. It is also a podcast that features interviews with both current and former NFL stars and you can listen via Spreaker and Apple Podcasts. Learn how your comment data is processed. Im the leader of this defense, man., Im good with being called out, thats fine. Wed go play other schools and our best dude (Zach) was better than their best dude by a lot and thats when we started to realize there was just something different about him, said Koby Abney, Thomas Maritza is listening to these stories with a smile. Were in a practice and, you know we started the season [2-1], but then we lost a couple straight so he was upset, Thomas says. So in 2009, Thomas signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. I went to the sideline, but I couldnt sit down because I was falling asleep on the bench, Thomas says. 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. After a preseason game, Junior Seau says, You want to go out with me tonight? Thomas recalls. Thomas was bummed, as he usually was after a loss. Zach certainly has the stats. Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis, Dolphins legend Zach Thomas says handicap as preschooler instilled work ethic, Oops! Featured Image: Zach Thomas lined up for action. She is famous for sister of NFL player Zach Thomas. Thomas had not received much attention as a free agent before that visit. He wanted to rip into somebody. 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. He played against the New England Patriots on October 21, 2007, and, yes, the Dolphins lost. Image from miamidolphins.com, Your email address will not be published. Not even Johnson could have predicted the results. The tough decisions are picking which real estate investment to try and what workout to do to keep trim. Certainly better than having to join the Jets. Theres no greater honor than to get that recognition from an opponent., Thomas later received an endorsement from another Hall of Famer Johnson who tweeted, He deserves to be in HOF!. So for me, even in my early years, I knew every one of the 17 linebackers that went ahead of me. But I used it all the time in Washington and I still I want to stay. Coupled with the 2008 season spent with Dallas, Thomas finished his career with 1,734 tackles (74 for loss) and 20.5 sacks. And after retiring from football, we had Christian, we built this house. I havent even thought that far up., The 17th LB in draft?Oops! In NO way. To go from being a fifth-round pick to football immortality? Zach made 182 starts over his 13 season career whilst Urlacher made 180 over his 13 year career. Taylor was no stranger to sacking the quarterback as That was him diagnosing plays before opponents ran them, fending off 300-pound centers before they slammed him, figuring the correct angles to ball carriers before they ran by him. Saban was mortified. An award Zach never received. And out of those games and the each players competitive spirit was forged a mutual respect so strong that when Mawae was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year, he used his acceptance speech to state Thomas also belonged in the Hall. Maritzas father Guillermo Lozano immigrated from Bogota when he was 19 years old. The problem is Thomas sustained multiple serious concussions that year. 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. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. It was a love Saban maybe didnt fully understand in the spring of 2006 when Mawae visited. But the relationship didnt quite start out with such high appreciation. I am truly honored and humbled to be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Thomas said. And Miamis Pro Bowl linebacker and defensive leader found out about it. He wasnt demonstrative, but Zach Thomas was top of the tree good a true great at his position. WebRelationships. 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. Zach Thomas is holding his wife Maritzas hand as they sit in the gazebo by their pool. I feel hes very unselfish because of all the things he could be doing, he chooses to be part of our lives and loves being at the kids sporting events and activities. But that simply wasnt possible. | NFL Draft 2023, Top 5 Quarterback Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 Tight Ends Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 Safety Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 Cornerback Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 Linebacker Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 OT Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Top 5 IOL Preview - 2023 NFL Draft | Draft Talk, Free Agency Highlights & Your Draft Questions Answered. This undersized linebacker was chosen 154th overall in 1996 and coincidentally assigned jersey No. They're just delaying inevitable. Absolutely.. And they decided it was time for Thomas and the Dolphins to go their separate ways. Yet Zach Thomas had a much more productive career in terms of tackles per game. Does Zach Thomas belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? In 184 games Thomas had 1107 solo tackles (6.01 per game). "You cant take me out.". Thomas, you see, kept notes that eventually grew into entire notebooks on teams and offensive coordinators. If youre grading my play, I was figuring it out so it was hard to sit out. During his induction speech he gave props to Thomas, who he faced 16 times during his 16-year NFL career. It can also be about direct comparison. Your email address will not be published. So theyre telling me, Theyre trying to trade you right now.. But for short yardage in previous years, Thomas noticed when Indy had two backs in, and the Y receiver flexed, the play was always a lead draw. Zach Thomas was my nemesis, Mawae said 22:16 into his 27-minute Hall of Fame speech. Born Zachary Michael I am not alone in that thinking. Zach Thomas is a 49 year old American Football (American) Player. The Hall of Fame vote on the Saturday before the Super Bowl is a routine-changer for the Thomas family this year. We look forward to celebrating with him in Canton.. And then the real pain began when he saw the people who hit him were wearing Patriots gear. Thomas had to prove himself every step of the way, even as a linebacker at White Deer High in Pampa, Texas. Whatever Thomas said to Maritza that night neither really remembers and it doesnt matter because she didnt give him her number. Seeing his bust in Canton will complete a storybook climb for Thomas, who arrived in South Florida with little fanfare. But the odds of being in the conversation of the all-time greats has got to be super high. This is Zach Thomas life now. And the truck behind us didnt even hit their brakes before they hit us. I dont know what else they wanted. And they just beat us at home, Thomas laments. I love my Dolphins and you cant control what coaches want to do to turn a team around, but I thought it was mishandled.. Im making my own hours. Maritza, of Colombian descent, went home to a family that was lukewarm on Thomas. The Dolphins already had veteran Jack Del Rio. Together, they formed the heart and soul of the Dolphins I broke down.". As great as he was on the field, he is even better as a family man and a role model. 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. During his career he was often compared to Brian Urlacher as their time in the NFL overlapped. 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. The endless waves rolling in behind their beachfront home are a hypnotizing sound track in the background. You might say theyre a team of hope. I knew right then I was going to have issues when the symptoms kicked in.. That was tension. Thomas was inducted in 2012 into the Dolphin Honor Roll along with Jason Taylor, the other half of the Dolphins' Required fields are marked *. Mawae laughed and still laughs at the story to this day. But soon the games old stresses and retirements welcome peace will be locked in a standoff. 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. Thomas holds up his hand as if stopping someone from talking. Thomas played only five games in that wasteland of a season. Thomas knew he had another concussion. Thomas sat out three weeks. 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. It wasnt until months later when they ran into each other again in Fort Lauderdale that they clicked. Former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas, who made a career out of stonewalling running backs with thunderous hits, made the loudest noise of all Thursday night by being named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. That was going to be my title for this piece. Growing up in Texas, I dreamed of playing football at any level. Thats humbling. Im looking forward to celebrating this with all of you. His relationship with Zach Thomas, however, might be the one that made the deepest impact on Jason, both professionally and personally. The defensive duo combined for 13 Pro Bowl selections during their To have played at Texas Tech and then be drafted by the Dolphins was the ultimate. 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. Lastly, I want to thank the Dolphins fans. "I want to thank my family for all the sacrifices they made for me over the years. He is one of 48 Pro Football Hall of Fame voters. Together, the duo shared a lot of love and an even bigger ego. Jimmy Johnson came to me and was like, Zach, were starting you. Their 4-year-old daughter Sienna playfully climbs over the couple as they talk, while 10-year-old Christian and 8-year-old Valentina kick around a soccer ball on the putting-green-quality lawn nearby. I look up and I could tell Peyton was wondering howd you know? , Peyton was the best in the business. I met her there and got her number this time. Hes one of those guys that never got the respect he deserved, never got the attention he deserves. Its important, Thomas says as he makes sure Sienna doesnt fall off a table. Katina, 42, who happens to be the sister of former Taylor teammate Zach document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. A lot of Hall of Fame voting can come down to statistics. It was definitely a chess match. Its a blessing that he can do that.. And many highlights, Adam Shaheen speaks about not getting vaccinated as Dolphins respect player choice. And, oh yes, the stories he authored are fascinating. Zach and Maritza were engaged the bye week of the 2005 season on a St. Maarten beach with shooting stars as the audience. So I was getting a call from the sideline and another coach was trying to coach me on what I did wrong the play before. There is only one thing left for the 7 time Pro Bowler, 5 time first team All-Pro, All Decade team member, 2 time NFL alumni linebacker of the year & Miami Dolphins All-Time leader in tackles made get him in the damn Hal of Fame, where he belongs! Thomas went to Dallas instead. He has covered 25 Super Bowls, the NBA Finals, and the Olympics. I get offered two scholarships, so I take one (to Texas Tech). I had to do it off premises, saying good-bye. The Bears that year were 11-5. They say its 1/10th of 1 percent just to make it to the NFL. And maybe I should have bit my tongue, but thats just not me.. Well thats over now. Thank you to all of my teammates. But it worked out.. Thats humbling, Thomas said. It was indeed a dream come true. The same year Thomas had 162 tackles (13 for a loss), 3 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 2 sacks. Thomas says he came to love Sabans ability to prepare the Dolphins. Were eating and Nick asks me what I think of Kevin, Thomas says. Now his former teammate Zach Thomas, who spent 11 seasons with the Dolphins I got wind of it from a bunch of people because I knew everyone in the building, you know? 54 in Miami. 2021 Ninety-Nine Yards: American Football, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Why Zach Thomas belongs in the Hall of Fame. But I used it all the time in Washington and I still got lost." 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. They're just delaying inevitable. But I definitely dont want to disrespect the game by thinking I deserve any of it. Not exactly setting the league alight. Why Steve Hutchinson belongs in the Hall of Fame - Ninety-Nine Yards: American Football, Why Tony Boselli belongs in the Hall of Fame - Ninety-Nine Yards: American Football, 2023 Final NFL Mock Draft Live - Texans Pass On QB! Those five games I played that year were probably the best five games I put together, Thomas says. For me, man, its always about respect. Should that reflect on Thomas? Mawae, who has enormous hands, sent the Xerox to the Dolphins facility in Davie for personal delivery to Thomas. And one said, Thats my favorite player. He was trying to get into my head and it fired me up, Thomas says. Katina Taylor, Ex-Wife Of Former Dolphins Star Jason And .. Thats his goal right now and any goal he has he goes all the way. Hence, it is unclear if the two are still Back then they were miking the refs and I didnt know about it, Thomas says. The Colts, in the same division as Miami then, were almost exclusively a one back and one tight end team. Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached athhabib@pbpost.com and followed on Twitter@gunnerhal. That first meeting happened at the Roundup Country Western nightclub in Davie. Zach Thomas has had no other relationships that we know of.. About. Taylor & Thomas. 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. So he told me he was going to bench me, or whatever. Obviously I think (know) that Zach Thomas should be in the Hall of Fame. The work is dropping off and picking up the kids from school and deciding which life lesson to deliver on the drives back and forth. WebThere are a number of guys waiting to get in, so, he may not be a first ballot in 2017 due to the HoF back log of competition, but he will surely make it within the following year or Contribute Who is Katina Thomas dating? But if I called out that one play in a game, hed be thinking I know whats coming the whole game. God bless, Tua Tagovailoa throws interception. 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. But all that enjoyment didnt exactly bloom early in their relationship. 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. Yes, Zach got on one knee. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. On the other hand the former Bears player forced 11 fumbles as a player whilst Thomas forced 16. And for me, I pretty much used that as, well, Im different. Zach and I always had a Thomas signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys in 2008 and owner Jerry Jones asked him to sign for another year when that season ended, but Thomas told him he needed to get back to a system he felt more familiar playing. But somehow Urlacher was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee and Thomas who retired earlier is still waiting to get into Canton. But it was all love.. 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.
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