Andrew Thomas will face a familiar challenge this Sunday, one that echoes the experiences of Hall of Famer Joe Thomas. As one of the NFL’s most talented left tackles, Andrew Thomas is grappling with a similar dilemma—personal excellence amidst team struggles.
Joe Thomas, who played for the Cleveland Browns from 2007 to 2017, built a Hall of Fame career as a left tackle, setting an NFL record with 10,363 consecutive snaps and earning 10 Pro Bowl selections. However, his brilliance was overshadowed by the team’s lack of success, with the Browns recording a meager .287 career winning percentage during his tenure. Despite playing under six different head coaches and protecting 20 different starting quarterbacks, Joe Thomas never reached the playoffs.
Andrew Thomas, now in his fifth year with the New York Giants, finds himself in a situation that, while not as extreme, bears resemblance. The Giants are off to another rough start, and a playoff-less season seems likely, despite Thomas being one of the league’s top pass-blocking offensive tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, he holds the highest pass-blocking grade in the NFL, yet his team’s 0-2 start casts a shadow over his individual success.
Joe Thomas understands the frustration Andrew Thomas is likely experiencing. “It can be dejecting to play your best and still have that empty feeling,” Joe said. He explained how critical it is to find motivation beyond just personal achievements, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and effort in the face of adversity.
Andrew Thomas echoes similar sentiments. “We’re getting paid a king’s ransom to play a child’s game,” he said. He focuses not only on improving his own game but also on elevating those around him. With a five-year, $117.5 million contract extension, Thomas has the potential to become a franchise cornerstone if he stays healthy.
Though left tackle is considered one of the most crucial positions in football, Joe Thomas points out that its impact on the game’s outcome is often overlooked. “Left tackles are like the brakes in your car: You can’t go anywhere without them, but they can’t take you anywhere either,” he remarked.
Both Thomases share the mindset that individual success is tied to team success. As Andrew Thomas strives to break the Giants’ cycle of losing, he continues to look for ways to push himself and his teammates to a higher standard, hoping that one day, his stellar play will lead to more wins on the field.
