Zach Thomas
Zach Thomas was born in Pampa, Texas, United States on September 1st, 1973 and is the Football Player. At the age of 50, Zach Thomas biography, profession, age, height, weight, eye color, hair color, build, measurements, education, career, dating/affair, family, news updates, and networth are available.
At 50 years old, Zach Thomas has this physical status:
Zachary Michael Thomas (born September 1, 1973) is a retired American college and professional football player who served as a middle linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons.
He played for Texas Tech University in college and was named as a unanimous All-American.
He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL Draft and spent his first 12 seasons with the Dolphins before moving to the Dallas Cowboys for his 13th and final season. Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and seven times second or second team, was named as the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1996, a two-time NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year, and was selected to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.
Thomas was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
Early years
Thomas was born in Pampa, Texas. He attended White Deer Schools in White Deer, Texas, until he was a sophomore and then moved to Pampa High School in his junior year. He was a standout high school football player and was named as a first-team all-state pick as a senior. Thomas and his older brother, Bart, were high school classmates at White Deer High School in White Deer, Texas, in 1988, Thomas' freshman year, were 16–0 and captured the Class 1A state championship.
Personal life
Thomas Thomas was raised in Pampa, Texas, by his parents, Steve and Bobby Thomas. Bart Thomas, his older brother, and Katina Thomas, his younger sister. Katina was married to Thomas' Dolphins teammate Jason Taylor from 2000–2015 and has three children with him. Katina filed for divorce on January 25, 2015, and it was officially announced on February 10, 2015. Steve Thomas, Thomas' father, is the builder and proprietor of the second biggest cross in the Western Hemisphere, located in Groom, Texas. Thomas is married to Maritza Thomas.
Thomas made the league minimum and lived with teammate Larry Izzo for the first three years of his career.
College career
Thomas was a three-year starter at linebacker for the Texas Tech Red Raider football team at Texas Tech University. He was a first-team All-American as a junior in 1994. He was a unanimous first-team All-American, the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and a finalist for the Butkus Award as a senior in 1995. Thomas is one of five Red Raiders to be named Unanimous All-American, alongside Mark Bounds, Byron Hanspard, Michael Crabtree, and Jace Amaro. In his senior season, he played 390 tackles, including a career-high 131 tackles and a school-record 20 tackles against Georgia. Thomas and his brother Bart were the only two brothers to be selected in the first team All-Southwest Conference picks in the same year.
Thomas was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
Professional career
Thomas attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, but despite a lousy show that featured a 28.5" vertical leap, he did not turn out to be disappointed. Mike Westhoff, the Dolphins' special teams manager, was sent to Texas by the Dolphins to speak with Thomas and scout him for their special teams unit. According to scouts and draft experts, Thomas was found to be too small and not strong or athletic enough to play at the professional level.
In the fifth round (154th overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins selected Thomas. Thomas was the 18th linebacker to be drafted in a linebacker class that included Ray Lewis, Tedy Bruschi, Donnie Edwards, and Kevin Hardy. Thomas was the second linebacker for the Miami Dolphins in 1996, and he was their fourth round pick LaCurtis Jones (126th overall). After the Miami Dolphins' special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff suggested that Thomas be sent to head coach Jimmy Johnson, he was initially scheduled to join special teams.
The Miami Dolphins agreed Thomas to a three-year, $577,000 contract at the league minimum on July 3, 1996. He impressed the Dolphins' coaching staff during training camp and then jumped up the depth chart to face Jack Del Rio as the starting middle linebacker. Thomas is the starting middle linebacker for the regular season, according to head coach Jimmy Johnson. The Miami Dolphins debuted Del Rio on August 3, 1996, the Miami Dolphins then released Antonio Del Rio due to Thomas's sudden return to the sport.
In the Miami Dolphins' season-opener at the New England Patriots, he made nine combined tackles and his first career sack, earning his first career appearance in the Miami Dolphins' season-opener. Curtis Martin, the Patriots' running back, was suspended for a six-yard foul on the first quarter in his first career. As the Dolphins defeated the Arizona Cardinals 38–10, he posted a season-high 15 combined tackles over the weekend. In the Dolphins' 22-15 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, he had 12 combined tackles in Week 6. Thomas made his first interception during his first career interception during a 21–7 victory over the Buffalo Bills on October 13, 1996. Thomas made his first interception attempt by Bills quarterback Jim Kelly's pass to tight end Lonnie Johnson, who was originally intended for tight end Jim Kelly and returned it for an 11-yard gain in the first quarter. In the Dolphins' 23–20 victory over the Houston Oilers on November 17, 1996, Thomas made eight combined tackles and returned an interception for his first career touchdown. Thomas intercepted a pass by Oilers' quarterback Chris Chandler, that was meant for tight end Frank Wycheck, and returned it for a 26-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Thomas played in 1996, had 153 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks, as well as two sacks, despite starting all 16 games. Thomas was both a 1997 Pro Bowl alternate and a 1996 All-Rookie pick.
During the Dolphins' 38-19 victory over the Denver Broncos in their first preseason-opener on August 4, 1997, Thomas suffered a fractured fibula. For the remainder of the preseason, his injury sidelined him, and he was also inactive for the Miami Dolphins' 16–10 season-opening victory over the Indianapolis Colts. After returning from injury, head coach Jimmy Johnson named Thomas Thomas as the starting middle linebacker. Anthony Harris and Derrick Rodgers, two linebackers, were among the first to get off the ground. During a 31-21 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he had a season-high 12 combined tackles and made an interception. In the Dolphins' 36–33 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 9, Thomas tied his season-high of 12 combined tackles on October 27, 1997. He had 127 combined tackles, an interceptor, and was credited with half a sack in 15 games and 15 starts during the 1997 season.
With a 9–7 record and a wildcard berth, the Miami Dolphins finished second in the AFC East. Thomas started in his first playoff game and made ten combined tackles against the Dolphins in their 17–3 loss as the New England Patriots defeated the AFC Wildcard Game on December 28, 1997.
Thomas was named as the starting middle linebacker for the third year in a row, and he began playing with outside linebackers Robert Jones and Derrick Rodgers.
During a 21–0 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 20, 1998, Thomas finished eight combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown. In the third quarter, Thomas intercepted a pass by Steelers' quarterback Kordell Stewart and returned it for a 17-yard touchdown. During a 30–24 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 9, he registered a season-high 14 combined tackles on November 1, 1998. In the Dolphins' 27–17 victory over the Oakland Raiders, Thomas recorded six combined tackles and made a season-high two interceptions. quarterback Donald Hollas intercepted two pass attempts by Thomas. In 1998, he played in all 16 games, three interceptions, and two sacks. Thomas was the first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career, while the Dolphins defense gave him the fewest points in the league.
With a 10–6 record and a playoff berth, the Miami Dolphins finished second in the AFC East, placing second in the AFC East and winning a playoff spot. During a 24–17 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wildcard Game on January 2, 1999, Thomas had eight combined tackles. As the Dolphins lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round 38–3, he made ten combined tackles the following week.
Thomas was signed by the Miami Dolphins to a five-year, $22.50 million contract, with a signing bonus of $4.50 million. Thomas was the highest paid player in the Miami, surpassing Dan Marino in salary and bonus. In 1999, head coach Jimmy Johnson named Thomas, Robert Jones, and Derrick Rodgers as the starting linebackers. During the Dolphins' 12–9 victory over the San Diego Chargers, Thomas finished with a season-high 13 combined tackles. He played in all 16 games in 1999 and had 132 total tackles, a sack, and an intercept. Thomas was selected to the 2000 Pro Bowl, marking his first Pro Bowl selection of his career.
The Miami Dolphins finished third in the AFC East with a 9–7 record and a playoff berth. During a 20–17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the AFC Wildcard Game on January 9, 2000, Thomas had nine combined tackles and a sack. As the Dolphins lost 62–7 at the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Round the following week, he made ten combined tackles.
Head coach Jimmy Johnson announced on January 17, 2000 that he would not step down as the Miami Dolphins' head coach. Dave Wannstedt, the assistant head coach, was promoted to head coach. Along Robert Jones and Derrick Rodgers, Wannstedt decided to keep Thomas as the starting middle linebacker. During a 19–6 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on September 17, 2000, Thomas accumulated a season-high 13 combined tackles. Thomas was forced to miss the Dolphins' Week 5 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals due to a strained ankle. Thomas was suspended for four games (Weeks 9-12) after aggravated his sprained ankle during a Week 8 loss to the New York Jets. He played in 11 games and 11 starts during the 2000 season with 99 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interceptor.
Jim Bates, the defensive coordinator, kept Thomas as the starting middle linebacker. He debuted with Twan Russell and Derrick Rodgers in the 2001 regular season.
He started playing with the Tennessee Titans in the season-opener and collected nine combined tackles, deflected two passes, and kicked two touchdowns, as well as returning an intercept for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Thomas intercepted a pass by Titans backup quarterback Neil O'Donnell, which was supposed to tight end Erron Kinney, and returned it for a 34-yard touchdown. During an 18–15 victory over the Oakland Raiders in Week 2, he recorded a career-high 18 combined tackles (nine solo) over the following week. As the Dolphins lost 21–17 at the New York Jets in Week 5, he had nine combined tackles and made a season-high 1.5 sacks. Thomas finished the 2001 season with 154 total tackles (94 solo), three sacks, two pass deflections, two interceptions, and two interceptions. In 15 games and 15 starts, he had scored for 154 touchdowns (94 solo). During the Dolphins' Week 17 victory over the Buffalo Bills, head coach Dave Wannstedt decided to rest Thomas because the Dolphins had already secured a playoff spot. Thomas was also selected to play in the 2002 Pro Bowl.
In 2001, the Miami Dolphins finished second in the AFC East with an 11–5 record. During the Dolphins' 20–3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wildcard Game on January 13, 2002, Thomas finished with 22 combined tackles (14 solo) on January 13, 2002.
Thomas was named as the starting middle linebacker under head coach Dave Wannstedt and began with outside linebackers Derrick Rodgers and Morlon Greenwood. Thomas had a season-high 16 combined tackles (11 solo) in the Dolphins' 27-24 loss to the New England Patriots on December 29, 2002. He appeared in all 16 games (101 solo), two pass deflections, an intercept, and an intercept, and was given half a sack.
The Miami Dolphins signed Thomas to a five-year, $33.75 million contract extension, which also includes a signing bonus of $10.50 million. He was under the influence of a pact with Miami until 2008.
Thomas scored a season-high 19 combined tackles (12 solo) in the Dolphins' 23-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. Due to a groin injury, he was inactive for the Dolphins' Week ten loss to the Tennessee Titans. During a 40–21 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Thomas made six combined tackles, a pass deflection, a suspension, and an interceptor. In the fourth quarter, Thomas intercepted a pass by Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter, which was supposed for wide receiver Terry Glenn. He finished the 2002 season with 152 combined tackles (84 solo), six pass deflections, three interceptions, and a sack in 15 games and 15 starts. Thomas was chosen to play in the 2004 Pro Bowl for the fifth time in six years, earning his fifth All-Pro selection in six years.
Thomas was hired by Morlon Greenwood and Junior Seau in 2004 after the Dolphins signed Seau during free agency. After the Miami Dolphins' head coach resigned and dropped to a 1-8 record, head coach Dave Wannstedt unexpectedly announced his resignation on November 9, 2004. Jim Bates, the offensive coordinator, had been promoted to interim head coach for the final seven games of the regular season. Thomas strained his hamstring and was out for three games (Weeks 13–15). During the Dolphins' 10–7 victory over the Cleveland Browns on December 26, 2004, Thomas accumulated a season-high 18 combined tackles (nine solo) on December 26, 2004. He had 145 total tackles (85 solo), four pass deflections, and two sacks in 13 games and 13 starts during the 2004 NFL season. The Miami Dolphins ended with a 4–12 record, and the remaining coaching staff was fired after the season.
In 2005, head coach Nick Saban selected Thomas as the starting middle linebacker. Thomas joined Channing Crowder and Junior Seau on outside linebackers in 2005. He has also worked under defensive coordinator Richard Smith and linebackers coach George Edwards.
During a 27-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers, he had a season-high 16 combined tackles (nine solo), broke up a pass, and fired up a pass. As the Dolphins lost 30–20 to the Kansas City Chiefs on Week 7, Thomas made 14 combined tackles (eight solo) on October 21, 2005. He added 14 tackles against the Chiefs, snaping his streak of six straight games with double-digit tackles. Thomas suffered with his shoulder in Week 11 and was suspended for the next two games (Weeks 12-13). Thomas played 11 total tackles (nine solo), broke up a pass, and intercepted Chargers' quarterback Drew Brees' pass attempt as the Dolphins defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-21 in Week 15. Thomas was selected to play in the 2006 Pro Bowl for his seventh Pro Bowl selection of his career, and it was his seventh Pro Bowl pick of his career. He made his third appearances in Pro Bowls; this is also the most Pro Bowl picks among all defensive players in the Dolphins' franchise history. Thomas played in 158 total tackles (104 solo), three pass deflections, two dismissals, and two interceptions in 14 games and 14 starts in 2005.
Former Houston Texans head coach Dom Capers was hired as Miami's next defensive coordinator on January 23, 2006. Thomas was selected as the starting middle linebacker for the Capers, while Donnie Spragan and Channing Crowder were named as the starting middle linebackers.
In a 24-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11, he had 17 combined tackles (four solo) in a 24-20 victory. During a 27–10 victory over the Detroit Lions last week, Jon Kitna made six solo tackles, broke up a pass, and fired two sacks on Lions'quarterback Jon Kitna. Thomas reached a career-high 21 combined tackles during a 21–0 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 16. Thomas was selected to play in the 2007 Pro Bowl as part of the AFC Roster on December 20, 2006. Thomas played in all 16 games in 2006, totaling 165 combined tackles (103 solo), nine passes defensed, three sacks, and an intercept.
Nick Saban, the Miami Dolphins' head coach, resigned from his position on January 3, 2007, transferring to the University of Alabama's head coaching position. Saban resigned after publicly denying that he would accept the position. Cam Cameron, the Dolphins' offensive coordinator, was hired by San Diego Chargers. Dom Capers as the defensive coordinator and George Edwards as the linebackers coach were retained by Cameron. Thomas, along with outside linebackers Channing Crowder and Joey Porter, remained the starting middle linebacker.
In the 16-13 loss, he appeared in the Miami Dolphins' season-opener (nine solo) and made one sack. Thomas finished with ten combined tackles and even split up two passes before losing the game due to a concussion he suffered while dealing Cowboys' fullback Oliver Hoyte in the third quarter of their 37-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on September 16, 2007. (Weeks 3–4)) Due to his concussion, he was inactive for the next two games. Thomas was involved in a car collision on October 21, 2007 and sustained another concussion as a result of the crash. Thomas suffered with migraine headaches that lasted until being placed on the injured reserve list. After missing five games (Weeks 8-13) due to Thomas' repeated migraine headaches, the Miami Dolphins officially put him on injured reserve on December 4, 2007. Bill Parcells, the Miami Dolphins' head of football operations, was hired on December 20, 2007. Thomas finished the 2007 season with 52 combined tackles (42 solo), two pass deflections, and a suspension in five games and five starts.
The Miami Dolphins fired head coach Cam Cameron after a 1-15 record on January 1, 2008. Thomas was fired by the Miami Dolphins on February 14, 2008, after the team announced that he no longer fits into their long-term plans and that his contract was terminated. Thomas has been offered by the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and New England Patriots.
Thomas Moore was signed by the Dallas Cowboys to a one-year, $3 million contract with a one-year contract and a signing bonus of $1 million. Thomas' signing shocked media and observers, given that he didn't have the prior participation or the size to play in the Cowboys 3-4 defense. The Cowboys cut linebacker Akin Ayodele to the Miami Dolphins to open space for Thomas to play as a starter inside the linebacker when he first joined the team. Thomas was joined by Bradie James and DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis in a row. During the Cowboys' 26–24 loss to the Washington Redskins, he had a season-high 12 combined tackles (six solo) in Week 4. He finished the season with 94 combined tackles (65 solo), three pass deflections, and a suspension in 16 games and 14 starts.
Thomas, the unrestricted free agent of the 2009 offseason, has agreed to a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs on April 11. The one-year deal was worth $250,000.
He suffered a concussion early in training camp and was eventually released on September 5 after not participating in any exhibition games. He pleaded with the Chiefs in October for releasing him without an injury settlement while recovering.
Thomas was signed by the Miami Dolphins on May 18, 2010, earning $111,000 in order to retire as a Miami Dolphins fan. He also owns the Zach's Club 54 in Amarillo and Lubbock.
Thomas earned the following awards and honors in his NFL career, in addition to being a seven-time All-Pro pick by the Associated Press and a seven-time Pro Bowl pick.