Former Dolphins Linebacker Thomas To Retire With Organization

By Justin Worsley

While Dan Marino was the face of the Miami Dolphins' offense, linebacker Zach Thomas embodied their defense.

It is now time for his legendary career to come to an end.

Thomas, who last played for Miami in 2007, signed a ceremonious one-day contract with Miami on Thursday to retire with the team who drafted him in the fifth-round out of Texas Tech in 1996. Thomas spent the 2008 season with the Dallas Cowboys and was signed last season by the Kansas City Chiefs, however, he was cut prior to the season opener due to a series of injuries.

Thomas was criticized coming out of college due to his lack of height (he was listed as only 5'11" during his career,) but nobody could question his heart on the field. Leading the defense along with outside linebacker Jason Taylor, Thomas was elected to seven Pro Bowls, the second most for a Dolphin behind Marino's nine. Taylor also thrived off of Thomas' success, being elected to six Pro Bowls and winning the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2006.

Thomas has notched in 1,076 tackles along with 17 interceptions in his career. Along with his seven Pro Bowls, Thomas has also been selected to five All-Pro teams. Thomas has more tackles than any player in the NFL Hall of Fame.