NFL fails if Zach Thomas is outside 2020 HOF class

Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas has officially been announced as one of the 122 finalists for the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Already a legend in Dolphins history, Thomas looks to join the exclusive club that is the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Somewhere many people believe he should already be. 

Better than a five-star career

Thomas retired from the NFL in 2010 and his first year as an official candidate on the ballot was in 2015. To be eligible for the HOF, five years must pass following a player’s retirement. In 2019, Thomas was named as a semi-finalist, so here’s to hoping 2020 is finally the year.

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Thomas was a star right out of the gate for the Dolphins, winning the AFC Defensive Rookie-of-the-Year award in 1996. The fifth round pick out of Texas Tech made the Pro Bowl seven times over his illustrious 13-year career. In fact, between 1999 and 2006 he made the Pro Bowl every year except 2004. Additionally, he was named an All-Pro on defense five times and named to the second All-Pro team twice. Furthermore, if that wasn’t enough, Thomas was so good, he was eventually named to the 2000’s NFL all-decade team. 

Zach Thomas vs Brian Urlacher

When talking about Thomas’ career and whether or not he “deserves” to be in the HOF, there’s no question most bring up the side-by-side statistical comparison to that of first ballot Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher. 

When one put the numbers side by side, one notices the former Dolphin linebacker stacking up quite well, if not better. The two played almost the same amount of games in their career, with Thomas playing 184 and Urlacher playing in 182. During that time, Thomas accounted for 60 more tackles, five more forced fumbles and the same amount of defensive touchdowns scored. Urlacher does have almost double the career sacks as Thomas, but Thomas was named to the All-Pro first team more times. 

Don’t fail again, NFL

There is zero doubt that Thomas deserves his time in the spotlight with an induction into the HOF. Fans cannot wait to see him put on that gold jacket he deserves. The NFL shouldn’t wait either. 

– Jaymin Stamper is a Sports Contributor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @StamperSports Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.