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2018-08-17 09:46
Cheap Justin Jones Jersey
Nothing could keep Joe Thomas off the field.

The Browns' sturdy left tackle never missed a game and never missed a single snap before a freak injury ended his 2017 season. And http://www.raidersauthorizedshops.com/authentic-daryl-worley-jersey , sadly, his career.

The face of Cleveland's franchise for more than a decade, and one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history, Thomas retired Wednesday after 11 seasons, ending a run exemplified by durability, dependability and dominance.

A 10-time Pro Bowler, Thomas ended months of self-reflection and speculation with a bow.

"This was an extremely difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family," said Thomas, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 draft. "Playing in the NFL has taken a toll on my body and I can no longer physically compete at the level I need to."

Few players have ever reached his level.

Thomas started 167 consecutive games and was on the field for 10,363 consecutive snaps before tearing his left triceps while blocking on a routine running play during an Oct. 22 game against Tennessee.

The sight of the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Thomas helplessly sprawled on the ground in pain was shocking to teammates, the Titans and Cleveland fans who had never seen No. 73 look so vulnerable.

He had been an iron man, football's version of Cal Ripken.

But the severe injury required surgery and gave Thomas, who had fought through torn knee ligaments, ankle sprains and a sore back to play in recent years, more time to consider the next phase of life. And to reflect on a career that will one day lead to his enshrinement in Canton, Ohio.

"From the moment I was drafted, the city embraced me in a way that I could never fully describe," Thomas said. "I am proud to call Cleveland home. The loyalty and passion of Browns fans is unmatched and it was an honor to play in front of them from the past 11 years. I would like to thank all of the coaches, teammates, staff, fans and everyone who has shown me support throughout my career.

"Even though I will be hanging up my cleats http://www.authenticsseattleseahawks.com/cheap-ed-dickson-jersey , I will always be a Cleveland Brown."

After announcing his retirement, Thomas, who hosts a popular podcast with former teammate Andrew Hawkins, provided more details about his physical condition and the destructive toll that playing took on his body.

"As a competitor, you always think that you can still do it, but there a point in your career that you get to that crossroads and you say I just can't do it anymore, I just don't have it in my body," Thomas said on "The ThomaHawk Show."

"My mind is good, but my body is not willing, and I think that's where I am. ... As your body fills up with inflammation, your muscles shut down, it's a protection mechanism that your body has. Specifically, in my knee, which is the main reason I feel like I had to retire."

The loss of Thomas, who would have received a $3 million roster bonus on Sunday and had a $10.3 million salary for 2018, leaves a huge hole for the Browns on and off the field. Thomas was more than just an excellent player. Jovial with a Midwestern charm, he personified this blue-collar city: loyal, hardworking, reliable.

Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said Thomas' playing streak 鈥?the number 10,363 鈥?will be added to the team's ring of honor at FirstEnergy Stadium this season.

Thomas is one of just five players selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first 10 seasons, and the other four 鈥?Barry Sanders, Lawrence Taylor, Mel Renfro and Merlin Olsen 鈥?are Hall of Famers.

Easily the best player of Cleveland's expansion era since 1999 http://tampabaylightningteamshop.com/authentic-ryan-mcdonagh-jersey , he's on the short list of the top players in the Browns' storied history, a group that includes Jim Brown, Otto Graham, Ozzie Newsome and Lou Groza.

But for all his personal accomplishments and success, Thomas never got to play in the postseason. That wasn't his fault.

The Browns have been in a perpetual cycle of chaos almost since Thomas was drafted on a day he chose to spend fishing with his dad on Lake Michigan rather than being with the other college stars at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Thomas played for six coaches, at least that many offensive coordinators, and protected 20 quarterbacks during his 11 seasons. When he was featured in an ESPN documentary last year, Thomas incredibly named all the QBs he played with, a list that started with Derek Anderson and finished with DeShone Kizer.

Cleveland won 10 games in his rookie season but missed the playoffs, and never won more than seven games in any of his other seasons. In all, the Browns went 48-128 during his career.

But despite year after year of losing, Thomas never wavered in his commitment to the Browns or Cleveland. He's the only player to earn the team's Walter Payton Man of the Year distinction several times and Thomas was active with several area charity groups.

On Tuesday night, he spoke at an awards dinner for the Positive Coaching Alliance.

"When I hear a lot that stuff about my career, I have to pinch myself because I wanted to show up every day and do my job and be a good teammate, and then 11 years later I was able to rack up some impressive accolades," he said. "So hopefully years from now when my kids grow up and think I'm a total jerk and telling me how much of a loser I am, I can say, 'Well, I did win a Walter Payton Man of the Year a couple times.'"

NFL players demonstrated during the national anthem at several preseason games Thursday night, protests that again drew a rebuke from President Donald Trump.

Writing on Twitter from his New Jersey golf resort, Trump said Friday players "make a fortune doing what they love," and those who refuse to stand "proudly" for the anthem should be suspended without pay.

He contended "most of them are unable to define" what they're demonstrating against." Instead, he said http://www.chargerscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-justin-jones-jersey , players should "Be happy, be cool!"

In Philadelphia, Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and cornerback De'Vante Bausby raised their fists during the anthem, and defensive end Chris Long placed his arm around Jenkins' shoulder. Jenkins had stopped his demonstration last December.

Defensive end Michael Bennett walked out of the tunnel during the anthem and walked toward the bench while it played. It appeared all the Steelers stood.

"Everybody is waiting for what the league is going to do," Jenkins said. "We won't let it stop what we stand for. I was very encouraged last year with the direction and that obviously took a different turn.

"I think it's important to utilize the platform as we can because for whatever reason, we have framed this demonstration in a negative light, and often players have to defend why we feel the need to fight for everyday Americans, and in actuality we're doing the right thing."

At Miami, Dolphins receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson and defensive end Robert Quinn protested during the anthem. Stills and Wilson kneeled behind teammates lined up standing along the sideline. Quinn stood and raised his right fist. There were no apparent protests by the Buccaneers.

"As a black man in this world, I've got an obligation to raise awareness," Quinn said. "If no one wants to live in unity, that's why we're in the situation we're in."

Stills kneeled during the anthem during the 2016-17 seasons and has been vocal discussing social injustice issues that inspired the protest movement by NFL players.

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, a leader of the movement, tweeted support for Stills and Wilson.

"My brother @kstills continued his protest of systemic oppression tonight by taking a knee," the tweet said. "Albert Wilson joined him in protest. Stay strong brothers!"

And in Seattle, three Seahawks players ran into the team's locker room prior to the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Defensive linemen Branden Jackson and Quinton Jefferson, and offensive lineman Duane Brown left the field following team introductions and before the start of the anthem. They returned to the sideline immediately after it concluded. All three were among a group of Seattle players that sat during the anthem last season.

Brown and Jefferson said they intend to continue the action all season. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said the team discussed the topic and decided to support individual decisions. Brown said he didn't believe there had been much progress made from the demonstrations of last season.

"Everyone was clear on my decision and understands and supports it," Brown said. "We all have different realities in this country and they understand my perspective. We're all on good terms."

In Jacksonville, four Jaguars remained in the locker room during the national anthem, and team officials said it would be up to the players to explain why they weren't on the field. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey, linebacker Telvin Smith, and running backs Leonard Fournette and T.J. Yeldon joined teammates on the sideline after the anthem.

"As a man, I got certain beliefs http://www.cowboysauthorizedshops.com/authentic-michael-gallup-jersey ," said Smith, who wore "Salute the Service" cleats. "You know what I mean? This is not going to become a distraction, and Jacksonville's not going to become a distraction for this team. I got beliefs. I did what I did. I don't know if it's going to be every week, can't answer if it's going to be every week.

"But as a man I've got to stand for something. I love my team, I'm dedicated to my teammates, and that's what we're talking about. I did what I did. It was love. I hope people see it and respect it. I respect views."

At Baltimore, both teams stood, but while most of the Ravens lined up shoulder to shoulder on the sideline, second-year linebacker Tim Williams stood alone in front of the bench with his back toward the field.

All players on each team at New England appeared to stand for the anthem, some bowing their heads and others placing their hands on their hearts. The Patriots observed a moment of silence beforehand for Weymouth, Massachusetts, police officer Michael Chesna, who was killed last month in the line of duty.

The league and the players' union have yet to announce a policy for this season regarding demonstrations during the anthem after the league initially ordered everyone to stand on the sideline when the anthem is played, or remain in the locker room.

"The NFL has been engaged in constructive discussions with the NFL Players Association regarding the anthem and issues of equality and social justice that are of concern to many Americans," league spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email.

"While those discussions continue, the NFL has agreed to delay implementing or enforcing any club work rules that could result in players being disciplined for their conduct during the performance of the anthem.

"Meanwhile, there has been no change in the NFL's policy regarding the national anthem. The anthem will continue to be played before every game, and all player and non-player personnel on the field at that time are expected to stand during the presentation of the flag and performance of the anthem. Personnel who do not wish to do so can choose to remain in the locker room.

"We remain committed to working with the players to identify solutions and to continue making progress on important social issues affecting our communities."

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2018-08-17 09:46