Browns O-Lineman Heading To Hawaii
The Cleveland Browns’ rookie sensation, left tackle Joe Thomas has been served a bit of justice. Despite being robbed of his rightful spot on the Pro Bowl team by both voters and peers alike, despite being regarded as one of the 2 or 3 best left tackles in the entire NFL, Thomas is still getting his rightful spot on the AFC squad after all.
Tackle Jason Peters of Buffalo is injured and cannot play, and so Thomas, the first alternate, has been called up to take his spot. Thomas is the first Browns’ lineman to make the Pro Bowl since 1987.
For his part, Thomas is obviously excited, saying:
“I am thrilled to be selected for the Pro Bowl and for the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the NFL. I understand that being selected as an alternate means that someone else could not attend, so I wish the best for Jason Peters. But this is truly an honor and I will do my best to represent the Browns and the AFC in Hawaii.”
Joe Thomas becomes the third member of the Browns to make the Pro Bowl this season, joining Braylon Edwards and Josh Cribbs.
Congrats to JT on a much deserved spot on the Pro Bowl roster. I’m not alone in feeling this is just the first of many, many Pro Bowls in the young man’s career. As long as his production stays at this level, he will be a staple in the Pro Bowl for years to come.
Cleveland Sports Authority 
January 9, 2008 at 11:15 am
Classy comment by Joe as well, wishing Peters the best. You’re right, he certainly could have been the tackle regardless of injury. Makes that draft pick seem even better though doesn’t it?
January 9, 2008 at 11:24 am
You know, it really does. It’s one thing to spend a high draft pick on a flashy skill position (Braylon, K2)…that’s easy. But to resist the urge this year to take Peterson (as great as he is) or Quinn (haha) with that #3 pick and to go with the “steak and potatoes” guy really says a lot about the job Savage is doing putting together this team. Sure, having a franchise RB would be nice, but what good is he without an O-line?
January 9, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Part of me feels bad for guys that only make the pro bowl because of injury. Like Fred Taylor for example. But I guess if you should have made it anyways, then it’s alright…
January 10, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Fred Taylor and Joe Thomas are two examples of players who should have made the Pro Bowl but were snubbed, but karma allowed them to get there anyways.
January 10, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Karma. That’s a good way to put it. Apparently you watch Carson Daly as well (hopefully you get the “My name is Earl” reference)