Description

Authorized biography of the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee

Meet Joe Thomas--one of the NFL's most reliable offensive linemen ever--in this up-close portrait drawn from interviews with family, friends, coaches, teammates, and Joe himself.

His story goes beyond lining up for a record-setting 10,363 consecutive snaps for the Cleveland Browns . . .

As a youth, the fast-growing three-sport star valued friendship and preparation in everything he did. A bit of a goofball off the field, Joe had an uncanny ability to turn on a competitive switch on the gridiron.

In college, he endured a tragedy and overcame a serious injury to become a big-time football star for Wisconsin in the fiercely competitive Big Ten (and a top shot putter, too).

On NFL Draft Day in 2007, Joe endeared himself to fans when, despite being forecast as a top pick, he skipped the glitzy ceremony to go fishing with family and friends instead.

With the Browns, he made the Pro Bowl in each of his first 10 seasons and excelled even while playing for teams that struggled. (He protected 20 starting quarterbacks--another league record.)

He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

This is the story of an extraordinary guy and an exceptional career.

• Includes chapters in Joe's own words
• Forewords by Alex Mack and Bret Bielema
• 30 color photographs