Editor’s Note: A year later and Zach Thomas has finally been announced as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The enshrinement ceremony will take place Saturday, August 5th.
Former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas did not make the Hall of Fame class of 2022. It seems Thomas will have to wait another year to get his hands on a gold jacket.
Throughout his 13 year career, Thomas was one of the NFL’s most spectacular linebackers. His accolades stack up with the best, being a five time first team All-Pro, including a year in which he placed third in DPOY voting. These numbers came on some of Miami’s most ferocious defenses, led by Thomas and Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, who was inducted in 2017. Taylor and Thomas were one of the most dominant duos of their time, and were inducted together into the Miami Dolphins Ring of Honor in 2012.
Thomas recorded 74 tackles for loss, per Pro Football Reference, along with over 1700 combined tackles and 20.5 sacks.
His knack for big plays led to four touchdowns and 33 forced turnovers, amassing 16 interceptions and 17 forced fumbles.
How Does Zach Thomas Hold Up?
When compared to Hall of Famers such as Brian Urlacher, it’s clear that Zach Thomas’ numbers hold up. He outduels the Chicago Bears legend in solo tackles, assists, and forced fumbles in only two more games. However, Urlacher was inducted on his first ballot in 2018, while Thomas has been waiting for nine years.
Despite his not getting in, Thomas has received endorsements from players and coaches around the league. Jimmy Johnson and Jason Taylor have voiced their support publicly, with countless others doing the same.
Despite Dolphins fans pushing for Thomas’ induction for nearly a decade, the Miami legend will miss out once again.
The Bottom line on Zach Thomas and the Hall of Fame
Unlike the MLB, the NFL doesn’t have a time limit on induction, so Thomas has time. However, it simply doesn’t make sense as to why it has taken this long. His stats stack up with the all-time greats, and his impact was unmatched during his time.
Zach Thomas is clearly deserving, and in due time, it’s very possible he gets into the Hall of Fame. It just seems that Thomas and Dolphins fans alike will be facing disappointment for yet another year.