First Ballot Hall of Famer who deserved better than the Browns ownership and many, many regime changes were ever able to give him.

 [Thomas] became the fifth player in NFL history to be selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first 10 seasons, joining Hall of Famers Barry Sanders, Lawrence Taylor, Mel Renfro and Merlin Olsen. He also became the Browns' all-time leader in Pro Bowl selections with 10, topping Hall of Famers Jim Brown (nine) and Lou Groza (nine).

He also became the only NFL offensive lineman in NFL history to make the Pro Bowl in his first 10 seasons.

The No. 3 overall pick in 2007 by then-GM Phil Savage, Thomas went on to start 167 straight games and play an NFL record 10,363 straight snaps.

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

Thanks for the memories, Joe.  You will be missed.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2018/03/browns_joe_thomas.html#incart_big-photo