{"id":1546691,"date":"2023-01-22T10:10:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-22T15:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports7.us\/?p=1546691"},"modified":"2023-01-22T10:10:11","modified_gmt":"2023-01-22T15:10:11","slug":"dolphins-linebacker-zach-thomas-heartwarming-reaction-hall-fame-rejection-7th-year-row","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports7.us\/news\/dolphins-linebacker-zach-thomas-heartwarming-reaction-hall-fame-rejection-7th-year-row\/","title":{"rendered":"Dolphins Linebacker Zach Thomas Had a Heartwarming Reaction to the Hall of Fame Passing Over Him for the 7th Year in a Row"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas is undoubtedly a Pro Football Hall of Fame kind of player<\/a>. Since retiring in 2008, he has patiently bided his time, waiting on a particular special call from Canton. In 2022, Thomas was passed over yet again<\/a> — for the\u00a0seventh<\/em> time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 49-year-old's numbers say he should've been inducted by now. The seven-time Pro Bowler was a bright spot on the dismal Nick Sabin-led Miami Dolphins<\/a> team that marked the tail end of his NFL career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how does Thomas cope with the inevitable frustration of being passed over so many times? In a particularly surprising, heartwarming fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Miami
Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas prior to his induction into the Dolphins Ring of Honor in 2012 | Robert Duyos\/Sun Sentinel\/TNS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Zach Thomas earned Hall of Fame consideration during his NFL playing days<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thomas's career with the Dolphins ended horribly for the team, with an infamous 1-15 season<\/a>. He went on to play one more year in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys. But before that rough ending, during which he played well, Thomas was one of the brightest stars on the Dolphins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pampa, Texas, native earned his four Hall of Fame finalist spots by being one of the best linebackers from 1996 until the end of his playing career in 2008. WPTV<\/a> reports that Thomas instantly earned the top linebacker spot as a rookie, playing all 16 games that year. He recorded 20.5 sacks, 17 interceptions, and 17 forced fumbles during his 12-season run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most importantly, Thomas racked up 1,720 tackles. He led the entire NFL in tackles twice, in 2002 and again in 2006. His numbers put him in the same conversation as Hall of Fame inductees like Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the Hall works in mysterious ways. One of those quirks appears to be Thomas being left out in the cold, year after year, for mysterious reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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