Former Jets center Kevin Mawae took time during his Hall acceptance speech to say the one opponent who isnt in the Hall but needed to be was Thomas. I met her there and got her number this time. That first meeting happened at the Roundup Country Western nightclub in Davie. Saban was mortified. Now Taylor hopes that his former teammate, Zach Thomas, gets the same good news on Saturday, when the remainder of the 2020 Hall class is determined. If it wasnt for Zach Thomas, I wouldnt be in the Hall of Fame, Taylor told me Wednesday at the Miami Beach Convention Center. But that motivated me even more than usual, the Dolphins trying to get rid of me, thinking I couldnt play in that defense. The following season the Dolphins had a new administration in charge again. Born Zachary Michael I am truly honored and humbled to be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Thomas said. But all that enjoyment didnt exactly bloom early in their relationship. So now Im in his head. Thats a momentous departure from the time Thomas sometimes refers to as crazy or wild a span of 13 NFL seasons he spent as perhaps the most adored Miami Dolphins player of the day. An award Zach never received. With Thomas leading the way with major contributions from Taylor obviously the Dolphins defense finished in the top 10 in fewest yards allowed an Start with the time Nick Saban wanted to trade Zach Thomas. Zach Thomas To have played at Texas Tech and then be drafted by the Dolphins was the ultimate. But Katina sees a correlation between Isaiah and her brother, Zach Thomas. For me to sit here and say I deserve being in the Hall of Fame, thats just not me. Zach and I always had a He played against the New England Patriots on October 21, 2007, and, yes, the Dolphins lost. And the truck behind us didnt even hit their brakes before they hit us. Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas plays a pick-up game of soccer in Davie, Florida, Tuesday, January, 21, 2020. Thomas played only five games in that wasteland of a season. Katina Thomas As great as he was on the field, he is even better as a family man and a role model. "Oh, man," Thomas said. I could never have accomplished this without your love and support. I had to do it off premises, saying good-bye. Jason Taylors son is a key starter for Aquinas, but hes Between 1996 & 2008 they won two division titles. I would always say no, but I said, Im coming with you. So we would have never met if Junior hadnt brought me out. Yes, life has changed for Thomas since he stopped playing in 2009. And I felt like they mishandled that part. So in 2009, Thomas signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Maritzas father Guillermo Lozano immigrated from Bogota when he was 19 years old. Together, they formed the heart and soul of the Dolphins Thomas talks about how much he loves Saban as a coach and greatly enjoyed playing in his defense. Zach Thomas And Im going to be here when you get here to work and Im going to be here when you leave. That was stress so much of it that Thomas would get blisters on his lip from the pressure. This time as one of the games all-time greats. The honor comes in Thomas' fourth year as a Hall finalist. The symptom lasted nearly a year. The other Dolphins in the Hall are coach Don Shula; quarterbacks Bob Griese and Dan Marino; centers Jim Langer and Dwight Stephenson; fullback Larry Csonka; guard Larry Little; and receiver Paul Warfield. Mawae, who has enormous hands, sent the Xerox to the Dolphins facility in Davie for personal delivery to Thomas. And they just beat us at home, Thomas laments. In December 2022, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Liliana Marie. Yes, Zach got on one knee. And many highlights, Adam Shaheen speaks about not getting vaccinated as Dolphins respect player choice. Teammates marveled at how many hours Thomas would spend each week studying film, searchingfor even the slightest edge over the upcoming opponent. But on the first play of the second game, [Dallas] brought in a LB at fullback to take me on. "I want to thank my family for all the sacrifices they made for me over the years. Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas has been on the doorstep of the Pro Football Hall of Fame a couple of times but still hasnt gotten in. They're just delaying inevitable. Ill be the first to admit that Urlacher outstrips Thomas in sacks by a factor of two to one but then Thomas was making far more tackles per game. This is about individual recognition. Thomas, 49, will be inducted into the Hall in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 5. For So he wanted to trade me. Zach being Zach, its not going to disappear until after Aug. 5, when he unveils a bust that may as well have a grin. Anyway, I blitzed myself. Zach Thomas is holding his wife Maritzas hand as they sit in the gazebo by their pool. Does he belong? shouldnt even be a question, the Miami Dolphins great deserves to be in, of that I am in no doubt. Its important, Thomas says as he makes sure Sienna doesnt fall off a table. They would go on to have quite similar career numbers (more below) but one was feted much more than the other. But the odds of being in the conversation of the all-time greats has got to be super high. But Im not knocking Saban. Thats humbling, Thomas said. He was a sports enthusiast as a kid and Thomas friends noticed early on that he was a bit different than the other local youth. Ninety-Nine Yards launched in 2018 and covers all aspects of the American football. I was so fired up and I took him on.. Thomas jokingly countered hed wear No. Zach Thomas & Jason Taylor have just been inducted into the Dolphins Honor Roll! Taylor was no stranger to sacking the quarterback as He is an Associated Press All-Pro and awards voter. When he regained consciousness, Thomas wanted to keep playing as it was before the NFLs concussion protocol rules. The pressure now is getting Christian to his soccer practice and games on time. It was definitely a chess match. 54 in Miami. Whatever Thomas said to Maritza that night neither really remembers and it doesnt matter because she didnt give him her number. Thomas always prided himself in preparation. During his career he was often compared to Brian Urlacher as their time in the NFL overlapped. Both of them stand 5-foot-11, and both of them know what its like to be underrated. He recalls playing Hall of Fame running backs like Marshall Faulk and Curtis Martin and fondly speaks of his meetings against Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, which felt as much like a chess match as a football game. And then in college, I was two-time All-American and then I go, the 154th pick. When he arrived in Davie, Thomas goal was to make the roster through special teams. Parcells cut Thomas. Zach Thomas That was going to be my title for this piece. Im getting paid a lot. 53 instead, which in New England belonged to former teammate and roommate Larry Izzo. Thank you to all of my teammates. Those five games I played that year were probably the best five games I put together, Thomas says. They played 18 games against one another when the Jets and Dolphins played. Contribute Who is Katina Thomas dating? They went 108-100 and went 3-6 in the playoffs. Then [Jason Taylor] jumps into it and everyones all wide-eyed getting into it back and forth.. WebDefensive End Jason Taylor was selected in the third round, 73rd player overall, in the 1997 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. The Saints soon wanted Thomas, and in retrospect Thomas admits not going there is one of my few regrets.. Thats humbling. WebKatina Thomas and Jason Taylor have been married for 21 years since Jun 2001. view relationship Relationships Katina Thomas has had no other relationships that we know of. Zach Thomas His relationship with Zach Thomas, however, might be the one that made the deepest impact on Jason, both professionally and personally. Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor will be there for you to meet. NFL: Jason Taylor, Tony Gonzalez, Brett Favre and But Johnson immediately knew he had something special in the new kid. Does Zach Thomas belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? We look forward to celebrating with him in Canton.. At some point they need more, Grading the Miami Dolphins roster and what that might mean for 2021 regular season, Armando Salguero farewell: It was never about me, it was always for you. The endless waves rolling in behind their beachfront home are a hypnotizing sound track in the background. But the Hall of Famer whom Thomas will forever be most associated with is defensive end Jason Taylor. Zach Thomas Is Hall Of Fame Worthy Katina, 42, who happens to be the sister of former Taylor teammate Zach Your email address will not be published. Thomas defensive partner and former brother-in-law, Jason Taylor, was elected a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2017. Katina Taylor, Ex-Wife Of Former Dolphins Star Jason And .. It was a great visit, Thomas says. And I said all these compliments about Kevin but I also said we have a nickname for him. He and Zach had significant cultural differences because Lozanos first home in the United States was in Queens, New York, and he was a New York Jets fan. Dolphins have a problem but not what you think, Dolphins at Bears quickie reaction: Defense outstanding, Tagovailoa a work in progress, Dolphins live practice blog: One key player dressed, others not. It wasnt until months later when they ran into each other again in Fort Lauderdale that they clicked. To me, is he a Hall of Famer? Miami Dolphins fans can meet Jason Taylor and Zach Katina Thomas-Taylor sued him in 2017 because she claimed he fell short on his promise by $3.4 million. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Katina Thomas boyfriend, I told him, I dont think Im the right guy to try to make a point with. Or he was my favorite player. . It is also a podcast that features interviews with both current and former NFL stars and you can listen via Spreaker and Apple Podcasts. Two other numbers have been shadow retired, with Zach Thomas number 54 and Jason Taylors 99 no longer used by the franchise. The 2023 season is the time to finally honor those two players and put their numbers in the same standing as the other legendary numbers. To go from being a fifth-round pick to football immortality? Theyre the Patriots.. And one said, Thats my favorite player. So for me, even in my early years, I knew every one of the 17 linebackers that went ahead of me. But the Hall of Famer whom Thomas will forever be most associated with is defensive end Jason Taylor. About Katina Thomas is an American TV News. The somber thoughts often drifted into Jason Taylor's mind as he friend and brother-in-law Zach Thomas. Who is Zach Thomas dating? Zach Thomas girlfriend, wife Recognised by his direct opponents. Zachs accomplishments on the field made him one of the greatest players in NFL history. Are Zach and Alex Still Together or Have They Broken Dont let me down, Thomas said. NFL Draft Hub: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis, Thomas' childhood:Dolphins legend Zach Thomas says handicap as preschooler instilled work ethic. He gets hired here and Im thinking Im ready to learn this new defense, a 3-4, and I guess he didnt think I fit the part, Thomas says. Mawae laughed and still laughs at the story to this day. (No, this isnt going to be a rip job on Cameron, whose 2007 team managed only one victory in 16 games). It gave me purpose, it gave me family, it gave me wealth. The problem is Thomas sustained multiple serious concussions that year. Zach Thomas Notify me of follow-up comments by email. She was there with friends because it was ladies night. Image from miamidolphins.com, Your email address will not be published. Zach Thomas was my nemesis, Mawae said 22:16 into his 27-minute Hall of Fame speech. Zach Thomas Calls Out Dolphins for Disrespecting But the relationship didnt quite start out with such high appreciation. Thomas, you see, kept notes that eventually grew into entire notebooks on teams and offensive coordinators. Thomas was inducted in 2012 into the Dolphin Honor Roll along with Jason Taylor, the other half of the Dolphins' I guess when I came home and told my brothers, I said, This football player was asking for my number. And they asked, who and I told them Zach Thomas. Starting middle linebacker? While Thomas said he would remain patient through the process, insisting the game didn't owe him anything, his fans voiced louder objections with each passing year, pointing out that many of his statistics surpassed those of linebackers already enshrined. Featured Image: Zach Thomas lined up for action. WebHe actually drafted and coached Zach, Jason Taylor, Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain during his tenure as Miamis head coach. My first year with the Jets before my first game we played against each other, (Coach) Bill Parcells told me in front of my entire team, If you dont block Thomas, we wont win the game, and for the next 16 matchups I never forgot that. And even months later when they called to bring him back, Thomas was still not recovered. Maritza, of Colombian descent, went home to a family that was lukewarm on Thomas. His secret? They say its 1/10th of 1 percent just to make it to the NFL. And I said, No disrespect, but there are so many other guys who have already gone home. Facebook Then theres the issue of the Dolphins during Thomas time there. To where? And they told me it was to Green Bay. Thomas went to Dallas instead. So before the play, I see this and Peyton is calling signals, and I yell, Lead draw! Thomas says. Saying that would make me feel Im being ungrateful. And Im a veteran, Im not part of their future. After a preseason game, Junior Seau says, You want to go out with me tonight? Thomas recalls. He pretty much said that any linebacker hed had, once they hit 35 it was downhill. Im making my own hours. I love my Dolphins and you cant control what coaches want to do to turn a team around, but I thought it was mishandled.. I look up and I could tell Peyton was wondering howd you know? , Peyton was the best in the business. Zach certainly has the stats. I met with Belichick. A lot of Hall of Fame voting can come down to statistics. Jason Taylor deserved better. That was him diagnosing plays before opponents ran them, fending off 300-pound centers before they slammed him, figuring the correct angles to ball carriers before they ran by him. In 168 games for the Dolphins all starts he had 1,640 tackles and 19.5 sacks. The Dolphins that year were 9-7 and did not make the playoffs. So much that Thomas says, I made pressure my friend.. Taylor was enshrined in 2017. You never replace that, going back and forth with one of the best in the game.. And Nick asks, Whats that? And I said, Hes a cheap-shot Christian., And I explained with Kevin sitting there. And Miamis Pro Bowl linebacker and defensive leader found out about it. Each of you made me a better player and are a big part of where I am today. The more I thought about it though the more ridiculous that seemed. Tori Deal & Jordan Wiseley (Off) Tori Deal and Jordan Wiseley were considered one of the ultimate power couples. Lets just agree that it was a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties. I got wind of it from a bunch of people because I knew everyone in the building, you know? Zach Thomas was not much of a self-promoter. By Armando Salguero View in 2021:Habib: Hall voters didn't 'rob' Dolphins' Zach Thomas. Thats because while the rest of the country (and parts of the world) will be captivated by Super Bowl 54 on Feb. 2, Thomas will be more focused on Feb. 1, when he and 14 other finalists are considered for election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 182 games Urlacher had 1,046 solo tackles (5.74 per game). So for me, wow, man. And that was him exploding into tackles a whopping 1,734 of them before anyone got the better of him. The same year Thomas had 162 tackles (13 for a loss), 3 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 2 sacks. Its a blessing that he can do that.. But somehow Urlacher was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee and Thomas who retired earlier is still waiting to get into Canton. I feel hes very unselfish because of all the things he could be doing, he chooses to be part of our lives and loves being at the kids sporting events and activities. Thomas knew he had another concussion. Yeah, no one knew that until now but it happened in 2005. Urlacher was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee in the class of 2018. Its all about perception play on a successful team (the Bears were 126-98 & went to a Superbowl during Urlachers career), and you get the recognition. Jimmy Johnson came to me and was like, Zach, were starting you. Saban eventually brought Thomas into his office and the two made peace. So he must have been much better than Thomas who has waited until 2020 to be a finalist right? Thomas dated Maritza for two years and then proposed, but not before asking Guillermo for Maritzas hand in marriage. 2000s All-decade team member and Hall of Fame inductee Kevin Mawae thinks it too. Former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas, who made a career out of stonewalling running backs with thunderous hits, made the loudest noise of all Thursday night by being named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As I noted above this is about individual recognition and Zach Thomas deserves to be recongised as equal to his peers the ones regarded as Hall of Fame worthy from his era. Your support means everything to me.. They were trying to get Javon Walker. I broke down.". Absolutely.. Zach made 182 starts over his 13 season career whilst Urlacher made 180 over his 13 year career. In fact, he hadn't thought of it even after Hall voters gathered for their annual conference to select honorees. Mawae and Thomas, the great center and great linebacker, were rivals. And Im right in front of my defense. Bill Parcells took the reins of the team, along with head coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland. He was one of the most reliable and consistent facets of the team during that whole period. This is when Maritza and I were still dating and shes like, Were moving to Green Bay? And it didnt go through. Thomas said he was unaware the selection process had been completed until Johnson popped up at his house unannounced, wearing his own gold jacket, which could only mean good news. But I understood. They would go on to have quite similar career numbers (more below) but one was feted much more than the other. Because while Thomas reaped rewards and perhaps soon the biggest individual honor from the game, he poured heart and soul into the sport and made it more interesting and exciting for all of us. And for me, I pretty much used that as, well, Im different. Well thats over now. Now his former teammate Zach Thomas, who spent 11 seasons with the Dolphins So before every game I would tell the ref, This is the most holdingest center in the league. And he heard about it, and before the next game he sent me a Xerox copy of his hands.. Here are the 17 linebackers drafted ahead of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas in 1996, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Obviously I think (know) that Zach Thomas should be in the Hall of Fame. Thomas holds up his hand as if stopping someone from talking. MIAMI DOLPHINS GREAT Jason Taylor Settles Divorce Dispute I got a laugh out of Bill Belichick, Thomas says. Thomas says he came to love Sabans ability to prepare the Dolphins. When asked about whether Thomas belonged in the Hall of Fame he had this to say, Theres a handful of guys that I played with that are elite status as far as players, people, competitors, teammates, and Zach Thomas is No. Just couldnt do it. Masons uncle, Zach Thomas, was a standout linebacker for 13 seasons with 3 teams, being named to 7 Pro Bowls of his own. Taylor joined ESPN as a pro football analyst on June 6, Zach Thomas: Miami Dolphins LB named to Pro Football 1 on that list., He made everybody that played with him better. Recently, there has been a shroud of mystery over the current status of Zachary Todd and Alexandra Terans relationship. Youre rebuilding. But I used it all the time in Washington and I still got lost." This story was originally published January 24, 2020, 12:09 PM. MIAMI Miami Dolphins great Jason Taylor and ex-wife Katina Taylor have agreed to dismiss a lawsuit she brought against him earlier this year to Katina was adamant she wanted Jason to come up with $3.4 million she claimed he still owed her in alimony. "Im finally in, man," Thomas said. Those children, his marriage, are his job. That year he had 122 tackles, (17 for loss), 5 passes defended 1 forced fumble, no interceptions and 6 sacks. In 2005 Urlacher won the Defensive Player of the Year award. The tough decisions are picking which real estate investment to try and what workout to do to keep trim. But soon the games old stresses and retirements welcome peace will be locked in a standoff. I kind of wanted to be part of that, but when I thought about it, I knew that would let all my fans down. Jason Taylor | Pro Football Hall of Fame - pfhof So theyre telling me, Theyre trying to trade you right now.. I havent even thought that far up., The 17th LB in draft?Oops! Seeing his bust in Canton will complete a storybook climb for Thomas, who arrived in South Florida with little fanfare. Certainly better than having to join the Jets. Taylor & Thomas. Maritza is listening to these stories with a smile. What Happened To Jason Taylor? (Complete Story) Im the leader of this defense, man., Im good with being called out, thats fine. And while coaches prepared their defense by showing players clips of the opponents previous three games, Thomas would spend time alone going back years. The defensive duo combined for 13 Pro Bowl selections during their Their 4-year-old daughter Sienna playfully climbs over the couple as they talk, while 10-year-old Christian and 8-year-old Valentina kick around a soccer ball on the putting-green-quality lawn nearby. Jenna and Zach married in 2021 and welcomed a baby boy together. Former Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson will be his presenter. I was trying to get the call, Thomas says. Why Steve Hutchinson belongs in the Hall of Fame - Ninety-Nine Yards: American Football, Why Tony Boselli belongs in the Hall of Fame - Ninety-Nine Yards: American Football, 2023 Final NFL Mock Draft Live - Texans Pass On QB! Thomas, who narrowly missed making the cut in 2020, becomes the 11th man whose career is primarily associated with the Dolphins to make the Hall. But for short yardage in previous years, Thomas noticed when Indy had two backs in, and the Y receiver flexed, the play was always a lead draw. He pretty much told me, next time a coach is coaching you, you shut the [expletive] up. In the stands, at about the 40yard line, there were several of Taylors family members, including his mother (Katina), younger sister (Zoe) and uncle (Zach Thomas, the seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker). He was the archetypal character that NFL commentators love to label a Bring his own lunch-pail to work guy. Hence, it is unclear if the two are still Not that he necessarily needed it, but Thomas Hall of Fame candidacy received a jump-start in 2019. Zach was there with offensive tackle Todd Wade. He hadnt even earned my respect at that point. The somber thoughts often drifted into Jason Taylor's mind as he friend and brother-in-law Zach Thomas. These were guys that did a lot of the dirty work and I would go and clean up and Id get all the credit. Equal to his peers. That was him during with the Dolphins and one season with the Dallas Cowboys, investing 14 hours every day during football season, studying tape coaches didnt dig up, honing his body in ways few players tried (like hyperbaric chamber sessions and Botox treatments for concussions). But it worked out.. Armando Salguero has covered the Miami Dolphins and the NFL since 1990, so longer than many players on the current roster have been alive and since many coaches on the team were in middle school. During his induction speech he gave props to Thomas, who he faced 16 times during his 16-year NFL career. On the other hand the former Bears player forced 11 fumbles as a player whilst Thomas forced 16. Yet Zach Thomas had a much more productive career in terms of tackles per game. It was a love Saban maybe didnt fully understand in the spring of 2006 when Mawae visited. It would mean a lot because Im still that small-talent kid with big dreams that never could imagine it, Thomas said when he was a first-time finalist in 2020.