Thomas ends his 13-year NFL career as he began it -- a Dolphin
Zach Thomas had the idea Wednesday, thinking maybe he could sign a one-day contract with the Dolphins and retire as part of the franchise. His agent asked the team. Thomas received his answer within minutes.
So on Thursday, Thomas signed a one-day contract, officially worth $1 -- but in actuality, worth so much more to the linebacker, who long lamented not having the chance to properly say farewell when the Dolphins released him two years ago.
With that, Thomas finally said good-bye.
"I'm a little bit nervous right now," he said at the Dolphins' training facility in Davie, Fla. "More nervous than any game I ever played."
Just a fifth-round draft pick out of Texas Tech in 1996, Thomas became a star during 12 seasons with the Dolphins. He was one of the faces of the franchise along with the likes of Dan Marino and Jason Taylor, who became Thomas' brother-in-law. Thomas played in 168 games for the Dolphins, recording 19.5 sacks and 17 interceptions, and he was chosen for seven Pro Bowls.
"As the team's owner, I want to welcome him back to the Dolphins, and I certainly hope he continues to make his presence felt," Stephen Ross said. "He's a great role model for our players, and we're proud of everything he has done throughout his career to represent this franchise. He gave his heart and soul to this team, and we all were better for it."
nfl.com