Rejected again: Dolphins’ Zach Thomas misses cut for 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame class
Once again, Zach Thomas came so close but still remains one step away.
The Miami Dolphins’ standout linebacker will have to wait at least another year to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The 2022 Class, announced Thursday, is as follows: Offensive tackle Tony Boselli, safety LeRoy Butler, defensive lineman Richard Seymour, defensive lineman Bryant Young, linebacker Sam Mills, wide receiver Cliff Branch, official Art McNally and coach Dick Vermeil.
Thomas has been on the ballot for nine years and advanced to the 15-person Modern Era final ballot for the third consecutive year.
“It was an honor to once again be among the finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Thomas said in a statement. “I want to congratulate this year’s class. They were all great players and are each deserving of their gold jacket.”
Those inducted need a minimum 80-percent support from the Hall’s 46-person selection committee.
Thomas, a fifth-round pick by the Dolphins in the 1996 NFL Draft, certainly has a resume worthy of the Hall of Fame.
Thomas tallied 1,734 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, 17 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles and four touchdowns over his 13-year career — the first 12 of which were with the Dolphins (1996-2007).
In addition to being a member of the NFL’s All-Decade team of the 2000s, Thomas was also named All-Pro (either first or second team) seven times and a seven-time Pro Bowler.
A former fifth-round pick, Thomas received All-Pro honors seven times (first or second team), made seven Pro Bowls and is a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s.
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