Joe Thomas, a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, recently shared a funny anecdote from his draft process leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft. During an episode of the popular ‘New Heights Podcast’ with Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce, Thomas recounted how he turned down an invitation to attend the 2007 NFL Draft in order to go fishing with his father.
According to Thomas, Bill Brandt, the Hall of Fame scout from the Dallas Cowboys, called him to inform him that he had been selected as one of the top five players invited to the draft. However, Thomas had already made plans for that week and politely declined the offer.
Brandt had laid out a detailed schedule for Thomas, including media appearances and outfit selections, building up the excitement for the big day on Saturday. But Thomas’s response caught Brandt off guard when he revealed that he had already committed to a fishing trip with his dad on that day.
Despite the mix-up, Thomas was ultimately drafted in the first round as the third overall pick by the Cleveland Browns out of Wisconsin. He went on to have a successful career with the Browns, earning accolades such as six-time First-team All-Pro, ten-time Pro Bowler, and a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. He is also a member of the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor and Legends.
In addition to his football career, Thomas is known for his sense of humor and down-to-earth personality, as showcased by his decision to prioritize family time over a glitzy draft event.
As we look back on Joe Thomas’s impressive career and his lighthearted approach to the draft process, it’s clear that he is not only a talented athlete but also a relatable and humble individual. His story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the simple joys of life, like spending time with loved ones, are more important than flashy events and accolades.
