Dolphins great Zach Thomas talks career, Jimmy Johnson and more at Hall of Fame Game
Thursday morning, Zach Thomas was with NFL legends Willie Lanier and Jack Youngblood, “exaggerating stories” of their playing days.
It’s just part of the experience of the newest member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On Saturday, the Dolphins great will officially be inducted as a member of the Class of 2023.
“It’s so powerful, just even being here,” he told NBC during the Hall of Fame on Thursday night. He added: “And I’m here with these guys on the same team. That’s emotional. I’m definitely going to be shedding some tears, especially come induction day.”
Learning disorder was root of diligent film study
Peyton Manning has often praised Thomas as being one of the toughest players to face because he could diagnose play calls quickly. Thomas was known for being the smartest player on the field, and he said his studious preparation was rooted in the learning disability he got from getting hit by a truck when he was 2 years old.
“It just gave me a work ethic,” he said, “because I worked with my mom countless hours just to work on that to not get embarrassed in the classroom. And I think that’s where it started, my whole ethic. It just molded me into the player I am. It’s crazy. That’s all I thought about it and obsessed with football and I just worked at it.”
Relationship with Jimmy Johnson
Johnson, who coached Thomas in Miami, will be presenting Thomas and helping unveil his bust on Saturday.
“You’ve got to get a little lucky along the way,” he said. “But I was lucky to have a coach that believed in me, and he was awesome. I owe everything to him. No hesitation when it came to who present me and that’s Jimmy.”
Hall History for Thomas
Despite playing at a listed height of 5-11, Thomas overcame size concerns to be one of the best linebackers of the 2000s. According to NBC, Thomas is just the third linebacker who is under six feet to go into the Hall of Fame, along with Sam Mills and fellow Dolphins great Nick Buoniconti.
“It’s not about your size,” Thomas said. “It doesn’t matter if you come from a small town. It’s up to you. And if you love something, that’s all it’s about. I was obsessed with it. Didn’t try to think too far ahead. Never got discouraged. Just kept believing in myself and betting on myself.
“That’s awesome to hear because Jimmy didn’t care. He threw me in the lineup. Didn’t matter what size I was, how fast I was, and I’m very grateful for that.”
Thomas names highlight of career
Thomas was asked what the highlight of his highly-decorated career was and as he pondered the question, his eyes began to water.
“I just think the biggest highlight for me was if you go find any one of my teammates, they would I was a great teammate,” he said. “I’ll get emotional now, but that was more important than anything to me.”
