In a press release from the team, Thomas said the decision was difficult but “playing in the NFL has taken a toll on my body and I can no longer physically compete at the level I need to.”
He also praised Browns fans for their loyalty and the city of Cleveland for embracing him after he was chosen in the first round of the 2007 draft out of Wisconsin.
“It’s been an amazing ride for the last 11 years.”
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 14, 2018
A message from @joethomas73 to the fans:#ThankYou73 pic.twitter.com/ukOEzQcUhw
The only players to be chosen for the Pro Bowl in each of their first 10 seasons are Thomas, Barry Sanders, Lawrence Taylor, Mel Renfro and Merlin Olsen.
He never missed a snap in his pro career until a torn triceps ended his final season in Week 7.
Thomas played 10,363 consecutive snaps, which the Browns say is believed to be an NFL record.
NFL free agency starts with the Bengals and Browns in much different modes https://t.co/jiWA2qiVwu pic.twitter.com/karVkM8yHQ
— daytonsports (@daytonsports) March 14, 2018
Cleveland Browns reportedly to sign former Ohio State star Carlos Hyde https://t.co/XPuAPFo2Hf
— daytonsports (@daytonsports) March 14, 2018
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