MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) – The Professional Football Hall of Fame has elected a previous Dolphins participant to the 9-man Course of 2023 Pro Soccer Hall of Fame.
Linebacker Zach Thomas is the 11th participant or coach from the Miami Dolphins to receive the game’s finest honor, the Dolphins stated in a information launch.
The Dolphins stated Thomas was one particular of the best linebackers in NFL background. More than his 13 seasons in the NFL, 12 of them with the Dolphins, he ranks fifth in NFL record for occupation tackles with 1,734. His 7 Professional Bowl options are the most all-time by a Dolphins defender and he was named to start with-crew All-Pro five periods.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be voted into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame,” Thomas said. “Growing up in Texas, I dreamed of playing football at any amount. To have performed at Texas Tech and then be drafted by the Dolphins was the final. It was in fact a aspiration occur legitimate.”
Thomas thanked his spouse and children, the Dolphin’s group and followers.
“I want to thank my spouse and children for all the sacrifices they designed for me over the several years. I could under no circumstances have attained this without having your adore and aid. Thank you to all of my teammates. Each of you produced me a much better player and are a massive section of in which I am these days,” Thomas stated. “I’m searching ahead to celebrating this with all of you. Thanks to all my coaches, trainers and machines staff for supporting this honor grow to be a fact. And lastly, I want to thank the Dolphins fans. Your help means everything to me.”
Thomas was drafted in the fifth-spherical of the 1996 NFL Draft by Miami. That very same year, he gained the AFC Defensive Rookie of the 12 months award. He went on to direct the NFL in tackles twice, guide the Dolphins in tackles 10 times, make two Dan Marino Staff MVP awards, 3 Don Shula Management honors and was named NFL Linebacker of the Yr 2 times. Thomas was Miami’s center linebacker through a run of seven straight seasons (1998-2004) that the Dolphins finished prime 10 in full defense.
“Zach’s accomplishments on the industry produced him a person of the best players in NFL background. His growth from a fifth-round draft alternative to a perennial Professional Bowl variety to receiving the most prestigious honor this sport has to offer is a testament to his skill as both equally a participant and a pupil of the recreation,” reported Dolphins Chairman of the Board/Handling Normal Partner Stephen M. Ross. “As wonderful as he was on the field, he is even greater as a family gentleman and a position product. We look ahead to celebrating with him in Canton.”
Thomas results in being the third defensive participant in group historical past to be elected to the Professional Soccer Hall of Fame, joining famous linebacker Nick Buoniconti and defensive finish Jason Taylor.
The Class of 2023 will be enshrined into the Professional Football Corridor of Fame on Saturday, August 5, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Tickets for Enshrinement will go on sale in the coming weeks.
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