are zach thomas and jason taylor still friends

Thomas said he was unaware the selection process had been completed until Johnson popped up at his house unannounced, wearing his own gold jacket, which could only mean good news. He is an Associated Press All-Pro and awards voter. I met her there and got her number this time. Thomas was inducted in 2012 into the Dolphin Honor Roll along with Jason Taylor, the other half of the Dolphins' dynamic defensive duo of the 2000s. Zach Thomas is holding his wife Maritzas hand as they sit in the gazebo by their pool. Couldnt believe it.. But on the first play of the second game, [Dallas] brought in a LB at fullback to take me on. That was going to be my title for this piece. She was there with friends because it was ladies night. But that motivated me even more than usual, the Dolphins trying to get rid of me, thinking I couldnt play in that defense. Coupled with the 2008 season spent with Dallas, Thomas finished his career with 1,734 tackles (74 for loss) and 20.5 sacks. But the Hall of Famer whom Thomas will forever be most associated with is defensive end Jason Taylor. He played against the New England Patriots on October 21, 2007, and, yes, the Dolphins lost. But when Taylors choice was announced a few months back, it left more than a few wondering why he didnt pick Zach Thomas his former brother-in-law, close Maritza, of Colombian descent, went home to a family that was lukewarm on Thomas. Thats why hes a winner.. To go from being a fifth-round pick to football immortality? The honor comes in Thomas' fourth year as a Hall finalist. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. I would always say no, but I said, Im coming with you. So we would have never met if Junior hadnt brought me out. Zach being Zach, its not going to disappear until after Aug. 5, when he unveils a bust that may as well have a grin. I didnt like how he treated a couple of those guys, but he works in ways that no one gets too comfortable, too relaxed. Seeing his bust in Canton will complete a storybook climb for Thomas, who arrived in South Florida with little fanfare. I am truly honored and humbled to be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Thomas said. Its important, Thomas says as he makes sure Sienna doesnt fall off a table. Were eating and Nick asks me what I think of Kevin, Thomas says. And I said all these compliments about Kevin but I also said we have a nickname for him. Thats different than some recent Dolphins teams, including the ones who produced good moments and the ones that disappointed. Zach made 182 starts over his 13 season career whilst Urlacher made 180 over his 13 year career. If youre grading my play, I was figuring it out so it was hard to sit out. Habib: Hall voters didn't 'rob' Dolphins' Zach Thomas. I said, Hes the guy that will play hard to the whistle but hell be away from the play and hell cut you, youll blow your knee out, and as hes walking away, hell say, God bless you. . Both of them stand 5-foot-11, and both of them know what its like to be underrated. So much that Thomas says, I made pressure my friend.. They would go on to have quite similar career numbers (more below) but one was feted much more than the other. By Armando Salguero As we can see they both forced a fairly even number of turnovers or turnover opportunities all told. That was tension. "It was powerful. Hes the man. And then in college, I was two-time All-American and then I go, the 154th pick. It was a love Saban maybe didnt fully understand in the spring of 2006 when Mawae visited. Hes covered Dolphins games in London, Berlin, Mexico City and Tokyo. I could never have accomplished this without your love and support. I was dead tired after running so far, Taylor said. Your email address will not be published. The problem is Thomas sustained multiple serious concussions that year. Were in a practice and, you know we started the season [2-1], but then we lost a couple straight so he was upset, Thomas says. And I said, No disrespect, but there are so many other guys who have already gone home. Here are the 17 linebackers drafted ahead of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas in 1996. On behalf of the entire Dolphins organization and our fans around the world, I want to congratulate Zach on his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said. The battles were epic. Not even Johnson could have predicted the results. Those past teams came to their regular seasons with plans more than hope. Who was around in your era and how do you compare to them? Start with the time Nick Saban wanted to trade Zach Thomas. Yes, life has changed for Thomas since he stopped playing in 2009. When he regained consciousness, Thomas wanted to keep playing as it was before the NFLs concussion protocol rules. His development from a fifth-round draft choice to a perennial Pro Bowl selection to receiving the most prestigious honor this game has to offer is a testament to his ability as both a player and a student of the game. Taylor & Thomas. And after retiring from football, we had Christian, we built this house. You might say theyre a team of hope. The defensive duo combined for 13 Pro Bowl selections during their So for me, wow, man. Thomas jokingly countered hed wear No. For I guess when I came home and told my brothers, I said, This football player was asking for my number. And they asked, who and I told them Zach Thomas. I felt bad for a while because I thought that was a reason he didnt sign with us at the time, Thomas says, But Kevin told me the Dolphins didnt offer him a contract, and thats the reason he didnt sign.. So he wanted to trade me. After a preseason game, Junior Seau says, You want to go out with me tonight? Thomas recalls. Former Miami Dolphin, Zach Thomas introduced his teammate, Jason Taylor to his sister, Katina. She grew up in Texas with her brothers, Zach and Bart. Both Zach and Katina graduated from Texas Tech University, where she earned her degree in broadcast journalism. I was so fired up and I took him on.. Ive been doubted my whole life and Ive used that. Now his former teammate Zach Thomas, who spent 11 seasons with the Dolphins Thomas was bummed, as he usually was after a loss. Now hes a big Dolphins fan, Maritza says of her father. But the relationship didnt quite start out with such high appreciation. Well thats over now. After Saban left, the Dolphins hired Cam Cameron as their next coach. I didnt know he was a starter. Obviously I think (know) that Zach Thomas should be in the Hall of Fame. Whatever Thomas said to Maritza that night neither really remembers and it doesnt matter because she didnt give him her number. Their 4-year-old daughter Sienna playfully climbs over the couple as they talk, while 10-year-old Christian and 8-year-old Valentina kick around a soccer ball on the putting-green-quality lawn nearby. Two other numbers have been shadow retired, with Zach Thomas number 54 Then [Jason Taylor] jumps into it and everyones all wide-eyed getting into it back and forth.. And Im a veteran, Im not part of their future. And Im grateful to football. To me, is he a Hall of Famer? This is about individual recognition. The conversation got far enough along that Belichick told Thomas he probably wouldnt be able to take Tedy Bruschis jersey number 54, the one Thomas wore in Miami. Katina Taylor, Ex-Wife Of Former Dolphins Star Jason And .. I love my Dolphins and you cant control what coaches want to do to turn a team around, but I thought it was mishandled.. Each of you made me a better player and are a big part of where I am today. Does he belong? shouldnt even be a question, the Miami Dolphins great deserves to be in, of that I am in no doubt. Recently, there has been a shroud of mystery over the current status of Zachary Todd and Alexandra Terans relationship. Thats humbling. I was trying to get the call, Thomas says. Thomas always prided himself in preparation. Dolphins enter 2021 season with hope in a lot of areas. Thomas was inducted in 2012 into the Dolphin Honor Roll along with Jason Taylor, the other half of the Dolphins' So in 2009, Thomas signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Parcells cut Thomas. The tough decisions are picking which real estate investment to try and what workout to do to keep trim. Mawae, who has enormous hands, sent the Xerox to the Dolphins facility in Davie for personal delivery to Thomas. Should that reflect on Thomas? That was stress so much of it that Thomas would get blisters on his lip from the pressure. It was a joy to watch him play the game. Two other numbers have been shadow retired, with Zach Thomas number 54 and Jason Taylors 99 no longer used by the franchise. The 2023 season is the time to finally honor those two players and put their numbers in the same standing as the other legendary numbers. The somber thoughts often drifted into Jason Taylor's mind as he friend and brother-in-law Zach Thomas. Thomas holds up his hand as if stopping someone from talking. Zach and I always had a So before every game I would tell the ref, This is the most holdingest center in the league. And he heard about it, and before the next game he sent me a Xerox copy of his hands.. It gave me purpose, it gave me family, it gave me wealth. WebRelationships. And for me, I pretty much used that as, well, Im different. 2021 Ninety-Nine Yards: American Football, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Why Zach Thomas belongs in the Hall of Fame. So he told me he was going to bench me, or whatever. Starting middle linebacker? I knew right then I was going to have issues when the symptoms kicked in.. He pretty much said that any linebacker hed had, once they hit 35 it was downhill. Its all about perception play on a successful team (the Bears were 126-98 & went to a Superbowl during Urlachers career), and you get the recognition. He wanted to rip into somebody. Yeah, no one knew that until now but it happened in 2005. So [Saban] stopped practice and made a scene. In December 2022, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Liliana Marie. But I definitely dont want to disrespect the game by thinking I deserve any of it. Thomas talks about how much he loves Saban as a coach and greatly enjoyed playing in his defense. 1 on that list., He made everybody that played with him better. Your support means everything to me.. WebKatina Thomas and Jason Taylor have been married for 21 years since Jun 2001. view relationship Relationships Katina Thomas has had no other relationships that we know of. He wasnt demonstrative, but Zach Thomas was top of the tree good a true great at his position. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. It is also a podcast that features interviews with both current and former NFL stars and you can listen via Spreaker and Apple Podcasts. As I noted above this is about individual recognition and Zach Thomas deserves to be recongised as equal to his peers the ones regarded as Hall of Fame worthy from his era. I told him, I dont think Im the right guy to try to make a point with. Featured Image: Zach Thomas lined up for action. Masons uncle, Zach Thomas, was a standout linebacker for 13 seasons with 3 teams, being named to 7 Pro Bowls of his own. Jimmy Johnson came to me and was like, Zach, were starting you. In 12 seasons with the Dolphins, Thomas made seven Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams. Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas plays a pick-up game of soccer in Davie, Florida, Tuesday, January, 21, 2020. And that was him exploding into tackles a whopping 1,734 of them before anyone got the better of him. The Hall of Fame vote on the Saturday before the Super Bowl is a routine-changer for the Thomas family this year. Well he has 22 interceptions to his name whilst Zach has 17. Thomas, 49, will be inducted into the Hall in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 5. "You cant take me out.". The Dolphins that year were 9-7 and did not make the playoffs. The Chiefs cut him in training camp. To where? And they told me it was to Green Bay. And whats crazy is after it died down, and Im not naming the coaches, but a couple of them came up together and said, Youre our hero, man. Because he treated them pretty badly, Thomas says. In NO way. Thomas dated Maritza for two years and then proposed, but not before asking Guillermo for Maritzas hand in marriage. Katina Thomas boyfriend, Just couldnt do it. He gets hired here and Im thinking Im ready to learn this new defense, a 3-4, and I guess he didnt think I fit the part, Thomas says. He is adamant that Zach Thomas should be in the hall as well, as are most of Thomas former teammates. Theres no greater honor than to get that recognition from an opponent., Thomas later received an endorsement from another Hall of Famer Johnson who tweeted, He deserves to be in HOF!. I broke down.". The pressure now is getting Christian to his soccer practice and games on time. But I used it all the time in Washington and I still But Im not knocking Saban. ZACH THOMAS' HALL OF FAME CREDENTIALS. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas has been on the doorstep of the Pro Football Hall of Fame a couple of times but still hasnt gotten in. Together, the duo shared a lot of love and an even bigger ego. Zach made 182 starts over his 13 season career whilst Urlacher made 180 over his 13 year career. I went to the sideline, but I couldnt sit down because I was falling asleep on the bench, Thomas says. NO. In 168 games for the Dolphins all starts he had 1,640 tackles and 19.5 sacks. So I was getting a call from the sideline and another coach was trying to coach me on what I did wrong the play before. The Saints soon wanted Thomas, and in retrospect Thomas admits not going there is one of my few regrets.. Zach has all the history with the guy going from a 5th* round pick by Jimmy to 2 time 1st team All-pro selection before Jimmy Retired beginning of 99 I got a laugh out of Bill Belichick, Thomas says. But Katina sees a correlation between Isaiah and her brother, Zach Thomas. During his career he was often compared to Brian Urlacher as their time in the NFL overlapped. Maritza is listening to these stories with a smile. Thomas knew he had another concussion. But for short yardage in previous years, Thomas noticed when Indy had two backs in, and the Y receiver flexed, the play was always a lead draw. Equal to his peers. He recalls playing Hall of Fame running backs like Marshall Faulk and Curtis Martin and fondly speaks of his meetings against Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, which felt as much like a chess match as a football game. When I look at back to being an 8-year-old kid starting football, I had big dreams and for it to play out like it has, Im grateful. And maybe I should have bit my tongue, but thats just not me.. I was on the passenger side and I was talking to my brother on the phone and I didnt know if the phone hit me in the head or it was the headrest that felt so hard.. Jason Taylor deserved better. Dolphins have a problem but not what you think, Dolphins at Bears quickie reaction: Defense outstanding, Tagovailoa a work in progress, Dolphins live practice blog: One key player dressed, others not. WebThere are a number of guys waiting to get in, so, he may not be a first ballot in 2017 due to the HoF back log of competition, but he will surely make it within the following year or Urlacher was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee in the class of 2018. And they just beat us at home, Thomas laments. Thanks to all my coaches, trainers and equipment staff for helping this honor become a reality. Saban was mortified. Then on the turnpike ride home, with Maritza driving, the couple was rear-ended. Certainly better than having to join the Jets. And Im going to be here when you get here to work and Im going to be here when you leave. But all that enjoyment didnt exactly bloom early in their relationship. Because while Thomas reaped rewards and perhaps soon the biggest individual honor from the game, he poured heart and soul into the sport and made it more interesting and exciting for all of us. Thats a momentous departure from the time Thomas sometimes refers to as crazy or wild a span of 13 NFL seasons he spent as perhaps the most adored Miami Dolphins player of the day. Bill Parcells took the reins of the team, along with head coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland. That was him during with the Dolphins and one season with the Dallas Cowboys, investing 14 hours every day during football season, studying tape coaches didnt dig up, honing his body in ways few players tried (like hyperbaric chamber sessions and Botox treatments for concussions). The same year Thomas had 162 tackles (13 for a loss), 3 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 2 sacks. Saban eventually brought Thomas into his office and the two made peace. The IDC (Internet Dolphins Community) have been very vocal in their displeasure about Zach not getting a mustard-colored jacket on all of the social media platforms. This is when Maritza and I were still dating and shes like, Were moving to Green Bay? And it didnt go through. The games been too good to me.. It represents all the great teammates I had. This is Zach Thomas life now. A lot of Hall of Fame voting can come down to statistics. Taylor was enshrined in 2017. Im getting paid a lot. I kind of wanted to be part of that, but when I thought about it, I knew that would let all my fans down. Im like, Yes, sir. . So he must have been much better than Thomas who has waited until 2020 to be a finalist right? And one said, Thats my favorite player. Thomas playing from 1996-2008 & Urlacher from 2000-2012. Why Steve Hutchinson belongs in the Hall of Fame - Ninety-Nine Yards: American Football, Why Tony Boselli belongs in the Hall of Fame - Ninety-Nine Yards: American Football, 2023 Final NFL Mock Draft Live - Texans Pass On QB! Thats humbling, Thomas said. Traffic came to a real fast stop, Thomas says. What Happened to Zach Thomas and Where is He Now? Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas is one of the most dangerous defensive players in league history. However, his body-rocking hits came at a price, and he dealt with numerous concussions throughout his 13-year NFL career. Columnist. Those five games I played that year were probably the best five games I put together, Thomas says. We look forward to celebrating with him in Canton.. But the odds of being in the conversation of the all-time greats has got to be super high. Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Miami area sports - only $1 a month. Recognised by his direct opponents. Ill be the first to admit that Urlacher outstrips Thomas in sacks by a factor of two to one but then Thomas was making far more tackles per game. He has covered 25 Super Bowls, the NBA Finals, and the Olympics. So he did give me a 1-on-1 but they wouldnt allow me to meet with [reporters] at the facility. Anything Zach does, hes going all the way, Maritza says. What gives? Thomas played only five games in that wasteland of a season. Together, they formed the heart and soul of the Dolphins defense from 1996-2007. This time as one of the games all-time greats. Mawae laughed and still laughs at the story to this day. Ninety-Nine Yards launched in 2018 and covers all aspects of the American football. Zach Thomas was not much of a self-promoter. 54 in Miami. Taylor was no stranger to sacking the quarterback as Thomas never played again, but he isnt sad and doesnt lament that ending. I feel hes very unselfish because of all the things he could be doing, he chooses to be part of our lives and loves being at the kids sporting events and activities. Former Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson will be his presenter. The other Dolphins in the Hall are coach Don Shula; quarterbacks Bob Griese and Dan Marino; centers Jim Langer and Dwight Stephenson; fullback Larry Csonka; guard Larry Little; and receiver Paul Warfield. Those early mornings and late nights during the week were an investment so that the squatty guy who doesnt look like a football player could often perform better than anyone else on the field those three violent hours on game day. So for me, even in my early years, I knew every one of the 17 linebackers that went ahead of me. Tori Deal & Jordan Wiseley (Off) Tori Deal and Jordan Wiseley were considered one of the ultimate power couples. Yet Zach Thomas had a much more productive career in terms of tackles per game. Zachs accomplishments on the field made him one of the greatest players in NFL history. (No, this isnt going to be a rip job on Cameron, whose 2007 team managed only one victory in 16 games). And it was another reason to think he better do this somewhere different because there were so many other guys that he drafted that were just lazy that he needed to rip into and never did. NFL Draft Hub: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis, Thomas' childhood:Dolphins legend Zach Thomas says handicap as preschooler instilled work ethic. Thomas had not received much attention as a free agent before that visit. Taylor joined ESPN as a pro football analyst on June 6, Former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas, who made a career out of stonewalling running backs with thunderous hits, made the loudest noise of all Thursday night by being named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And soon, Saban came to love the player he initially wanted to trade so much so that the following offseason when the Dolphins were recruiting Pro Bowl center Kevin Mawae as an unrestricted free agent, Saban asked Thomas to accompany him to dinner with Mawae to convince the player to sign with Miami. But as agent Drew Rosenhaus predicted to Thomas, if Belichick made him an offer, others would follow suit. Zach certainly has the stats. So now Im in his head. That was him diagnosing plays before opponents ran them, fending off 300-pound centers before they slammed him, figuring the correct angles to ball carriers before they ran by him. His relationship with Zach Thomas, however, might be the one that made the deepest impact on Jason, both professionally and personally. When asked about whether Thomas belonged in the Hall of Fame he had this to say, Theres a handful of guys that I played with that are elite status as far as players, people, competitors, teammates, and Zach Thomas is No. They're just delaying inevitable. Thomas had to prove himself every step of the way, even as a linebacker at White Deer High in Pampa, Texas. Katina, 42, who happens to be the sister of former Taylor teammate Zach In 2005 Urlacher won the Defensive Player of the Year award. These were guys that did a lot of the dirty work and I would go and clean up and Id get all the credit. The Bears that year were 11-5. In the stands, at about the 40yard line, there were several of Taylors family members, including his mother (Katina), younger sister (Zoe) and uncle (Zach Thomas, the seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker). They would go on to have quite similar career numbers (more below) but one was feted much more than the other. Or he was my favorite player. . God bless, Tua Tagovailoa throws interception. Those children, his marriage, are his job. On the other hand the former Bears player forced 11 fumbles as a player whilst Thomas forced 16. Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor will be there for you to meet. I get offered two scholarships, so I take one (to Texas Tech). I got wind of it from a bunch of people because I knew everyone in the building, you know? Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached [email protected] and followed on Twitter@gunnerhal. Does Zach Thomas belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? She is famous for sister of NFL player Zach Thomas. Yes, Zach got on one knee. Thomas, who narrowly missed making the cut in 2020, becomes the 11th man whose career is primarily associated with the Dolphins to make the Hall. Opponent and team-mate are in agreement and that theme of being overlooked is there again. Hence, it is unclear if the two are still They say its 1/10th of 1 percent just to make it to the NFL. He was the archetypal character that NFL commentators love to label a Bring his own lunch-pail to work guy. Now Taylor hopes that his former teammate, Zach Thomas, gets the same good news on Saturday, when the remainder of the 2020 Hall class is determined. If it wasnt for Zach Thomas, I wouldnt be in the Hall of Fame, Taylor told me Wednesday at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Thomas, you see, kept notes that eventually grew into entire notebooks on teams and offensive coordinators. Required fields are marked *. He was trying to get into my head and it fired me up, Thomas says. WebHe actually drafted and coached Zach, Jason Taylor, Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain during his tenure as Miamis head coach. Thank you to all of my teammates. He was one of the most reliable and consistent facets of the team during that whole period. Mawae and Thomas, the great center and great linebacker, were rivals. They were trying to get Javon Walker. Contribute Who is Katina Thomas dating? I didnt know anything about football, Maritza says. Former Jets center Kevin Mawae took time during his Hall acceptance speech to say the one opponent who isnt in the Hall but needed to be was Thomas. They played 18 games against one another when the Jets and Dolphins played. Perhaps Urlacher was better at forcing turnovers? When he arrived in Davie, Thomas goal was to make the roster through special teams. He and Zach had significant cultural differences because Lozanos first home in the United States was in Queens, New York, and he was a New York Jets fan. The following season the Dolphins had a new administration in charge again. For a while Jason Taylor & Zach Thomas were the beating heart of the Dolphins D. Taylor was enshrined in Canton in 2017. "Oh, man," Thomas said. And even months later when they called to bring him back, Thomas was still not recovered. I dont look the part. But it worked out.. I met with Belichick. Thats because while the rest of the country (and parts of the world) will be captivated by Super Bowl 54 on Feb. 2, Thomas will be more focused on Feb. 1, when he and 14 other finalists are considered for election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And it was something of a mistake because Wade Phillips was running a defense that was totally foreign to him. Born Zachary Michael Urlacher was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee in the class of 2018. But if I called out that one play in a game, hed be thinking I know whats coming the whole game. While Thomas said he would remain patient through the process, insisting the game didn't owe him anything, his fans voiced louder objections with each passing year, pointing out that many of his statistics surpassed those of linebackers already enshrined. My first year with the Jets before my first game we played against each other, (Coach) Bill Parcells told me in front of my entire team, If you dont block Thomas, we wont win the game, and for the next 16 matchups I never forgot that. I believe in that stuff. I had to do it off premises, saying good-bye. And, oh yes, the stories he authored are fascinating. There is only one thing left for the 7 time Pro Bowler, 5 time first team All-Pro, All Decade team member, 2 time NFL alumni linebacker of the year & Miami Dolphins All-Time leader in tackles made get him in the damn Hal of Fame, where he belongs! Lastly, I want to thank the Dolphins fans. But it was all love.. Learn how your comment data is processed. But soon the games old stresses and retirements welcome peace will be locked in a standoff. And Nick asks, Whats that? And I said, Hes a cheap-shot Christian., And I explained with Kevin sitting there. You know, I was two-time all-state, but I dont get offered, he said. In 184 games Thomas had 1107 solo tackles (6.01 per game). But the Hall of Famer whom Thomas will forever be most associated with is defensive end Jason Taylor. Thomas signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys in 2008 and owner Jerry Jones asked him to sign for another year when that season ended, but Thomas told him he needed to get back to a system he felt more familiar playing. And I felt like they mishandled that part. And while coaches prepared their defense by showing players clips of the opponents previous three games, Thomas would spend time alone going back years. 2000s All-decade team member and Hall of Fame inductee Kevin Mawae thinks it too. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. This undersized linebacker was chosen 154th overall in 1996 and coincidentally assigned jersey No.

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