THE GREAT #54. A first ballot HOF career, dismissed by a media that never played in the trenches to fully appreciate an ability unmatched by any defender in NFL history.


In my opinion, there are two NFL players drafted by the Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson that most represent the physical manifestation of Jimmy Johnsons philosophy of play conviction and the power of the immediacy of decisions. Emmitt Smith and #54 Zach Thomas. Jimmy Johnsons core football philosophy was speed, not physical speed, but the velocity of a player to diagnose and react with conviction. Furthermore, the immediacy to demonstrate this skill early in his career. PLAY FAST, SHOW EARLY.

Zach was drafted in the 5th round, joining a team that had invested heavily in a MLB in free agency, Jack Del Rio. The 1996 training camp started July 15th, after two weeks Jimmy cut Jack Del Rio on August 5th, and Zach became the Dolphins starting MLB for his whole career as a Dolphin. A true manifestation of Jimmy's philosophy of immediate demonstration of excellence.

One can easily argue that #54 rookie season was his greatest. Zach was instantaneously one of the most prolific LB's in the league. Zach had a career high 120 SOLO tackles, Tied his career high in Ints, started and played in every game, and produced the 3rd highest combined tackle numbers in his Hall of Fame career, Thomas was GREAT IMMEDIATELY, because his greatness was the immediacy of his play.

Tom Brady, Paton Manning, Anthony Munoz, Brian Urlacher, Ray Lewis, all first ballot Hall of Famers have made their opinions public about their belief of Thomas as a Hall of Famer. If the distinction is decided by his contemporary players Zach would have undoubtedly been a first ballot induction. Unfortunately, the induction is voted on by the wildly self promoting and woefully clueless of the physical manifestation of a violent and infinitely variable sport; The Media. 

In 2006, at the age of 33 Thomas registered his career high in combined tackles with a flabbergasting total of 165, played all 16 games, and was named All Pro for his 5th time. Zach is still currently the Miami Dolphins all time leader in All Pro selections.

#54, Greatness from first snap!! How Serendipitous that the man, Jimmy Johnson, who identified his unlikely and unique  greatness was the man who informed him of his induction.

Congrats Zach, It was an honor watching you play!








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