Football fans know Hall-of-Famer Joe Thomas as one of the most
dependable offensive linemen ever to play in the NFL. But his story goes
beyond lining up for a record-setting 10,363 consecutive snaps for the
Cleveland Browns ...
Growing up near Milwaukee, the young three-sport star valued friendship
and preparation in everything he did. Always a bit of a goofball off the
field, Joe had an uncanny ability to turn on a competitive switch on the
gridiron.
He endured a tragedy and overcame a serious injury to become a big-time
college football star for Wisconsin in the fiercely competitive Big Ten.
(He was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019.)
On NFL's Draft Day in 2007, Joe endeared himself to fans when, despite
being forecast as a top pick, he chose to skip the glitzy ceremony and
just go fishing with family and friends instead.
With the Browns, he quickly earned his spot on the roster and stayed
there--a consistent standout during an 11-season career in which he
excelled even while playing for teams that struggled. (He protected 20
different starting quarterbacks--another league record.)
He was selected for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in
2023./p>
This book is based on interviews with people who know Joe Thomas
best--family, friends, coaches, teammates--as well as with Joe himself.
(Some chapters are in Joe's own words.) It tells, up close and in depth,
the story of an exceptional career.
