Miami Dolphins legendary linebacker, Zach Thomas, was officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. As he gazed upon his bronze bust that will forever be displayed in Canton, Ohio, Thomas delivered a heartfelt speech expressing gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his career, leading to seven Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors. One person he specifically thanked was his late teammate, Junior Seau, who served as an inspiration to Thomas both on and off the field.
Thomas spoke in front of thousands of football fans, friends, and family at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, expressing his admiration for Seau, whose poster adorned his college dorm room. Seau’s tragic passing in 2012, where he was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, shed light on the fact that he suffered from CTE, a neurodegenerative brain disease. Despite Seau’s absence, Thomas felt his spirit present through his own bust in the Hall of Fame and expressed his deep honor in joining his late friend.
Thomas, who played 182 games over 13 seasons in the NFL, most notably with the Dolphins, was a fifth-round draft pick in 1996. He quickly established himself as a formidable middle linebacker, amassing 154 combined tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and recoveries, and three interceptions (one for a touchdown) in his rookie year alone. Throughout his career, Thomas consistently reached 100-or-more tackles in all but three seasons, ending with an impressive total of 1,734 combined tackles, 20.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, and 17 interceptions (four for touchdowns).
Surrounded by fellow legends, Thomas described his induction as a dream come true, reflecting on his humble beginnings as a small-town country boy given a chance to showcase his talent. He expressed his gratitude for being forever enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, marking the culmination of his football journey.
The emotional ceremony was met with a deafening cheer from the crowd in Canton, as Thomas took a moment to compose himself amidst the overwhelming support. His bond with Seau and their shared love for the game will forever be commemorated in the Hall of Fame.
Miami Dolphins former linebacker Zach Thomas poses with his bust during the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Thomas concluded his speech by expressing his eternal connection with Seau and his gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him. The Pro Football Hall of Fame will forever serve as a testament to their bond and Thomas’s remarkable career.
Junior Seau, #55 of the Miami Dolphins, looks on during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on October 10, 2004, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
To commemorate the occasion, an emotional Thomas unveiled his own bust and addressed the crowd, expressing his deep gratitude for the overwhelming support he received throughout his career. He acknowledged the presence of his fellow legends and cherished the opportunity to stand on the same stage as them.
Thomas’s remarkable journey, from his humble beginnings to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. His dedication, skill, and unwavering passion for the game contributed to his iconic status in the world of football.
As his football career comes full circle, Thomas stands proudly on the stage, forever etched into the annals of football history.
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