View source for Zach Thomas

{{Short description|American football player (born 1973)}}
{{other people}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name        = Zach Thomas
| image       = Zach Thomas.jpg
| alt         =
| caption     = Thomas in 2002
| number      = 54, 55
| position    = [[Linebacker]]
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1973|9|1|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Pampa, Texas]], U.S.
| height_ft   = 5
| height_in   = 11
| weight_lb   = 242
| high_school = [[White Deer High School|White Deer (TX)]],<br>[[Pampa High School|Pampa (TX)]]
| college     = [[Texas Tech Red Raiders football|Texas Tech]] (1992–1995)
| draftyear   = 1996
| draftround  = 5
| draftpick   = 154
| pastteams   = * [[Miami Dolphins]] ({{NFL Year|1996|2007}})
* [[Dallas Cowboys]] ({{NFL Year|2008}})
* [[Kansas City Chiefs]] ({{NFL Year|2009}})*
| highlights  = * 5× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1998 All-Pro Team|1998]], [[1999 All-Pro Team|1999]], [[2002 All-Pro Team|2002]], [[2003 All-Pro Team|2003]], [[2006 All-Pro Team|2006]])
* 2× Second-team All-Pro ([[2001 All-Pro Team|2001]], [[2005 All-Pro Team|2005]])
* 7× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2000 Pro Bowl|1999]]–[[2004 Pro Bowl|2003]], [[2006 Pro Bowl|2005]], [[2007 Pro Bowl|2006]])
* 2× [[National Football League Alumni|NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year]] ([[1998 NFL season|1998]], [[2006 NFL season|2006]])
* 2× [[List of NFL annual tackles leaders#Combined tackles leaders|NFL combined tackles leader]] (2002, 2006)
* [[National Football League 2000s All-Decade Team|NFL 2000s All-Decade Team]]
* [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[PFWA All-Rookie Team#1996|1996]])
* [[Miami Dolphins Honor Roll]]
* [[Unanimous All-American]] ([[1995 College Football All-America Team|1995]])
* Second-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[1994 College Football All-America Team|1994]])
* 2× [[Southwest Conference|SWC]] Defensive Player of the Year (1994, 1995)
* 2× First-team All-SWC ([[1994 All-Southwest Conference football team|1994]], [[1995 All-Southwest Conference football team|1995]])
* [[Texas Tech Red Raiders football|Texas Tech Red Raiders]] Ring of Honor
* [[Texas Tech University|Texas Tech]] Hall of Fame (2006)
| statlabel1  = Total [[Tackle (football move)|tackle]]s
| statvalue1  = 1,734
| statlabel2  = [[Sack (American football)|Sack]]s
| statvalue2  = 20.5
| statlabel3  = Forced [[fumble]]s
| statvalue3  = 16
| statlabel4  = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4  = 8
| statlabel5  = [[Interception]]s
| statvalue5  = 17
| statlabel6  = Defensive [[touchdown]]s
| statvalue6  = 4
| pfr         = ThomZa01
| CollegeHOF  = 2387
| HOF         = zach-thomas 
}}

'''Zachary Michael Thomas''' (born September 1, 1973), nicknamed "'''Baby Elephant'''", is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[linebacker]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for 13 seasons.  He played [[college football]] for the [[Texas Tech Red Raiders football|Texas Tech Red Raiders]], and was recognized as a [[unanimous All-American]].  He was selected in the fifth round, 22nd pick (154th overall), in the [[1996 NFL draft]] by the [[Miami Dolphins]], and played for the Dolphins in his first 12 seasons in the NFL, before playing his 13th and final season with the [[Dallas Cowboys]].

In his rookie year in 1996, Thomas was voted the Dolphins Team Newcomer of the Year, and also won his first of two Dolphins Team MVP awards (1996, 2001). He was also named the AFC  Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1996. Thomas was also the first Dolphins player to win the Dolphins Team Leadership Award (voted by his teammates) a record three times (1998–1999, 2005), until [[Jason Taylor (American football)|Jason Taylor]] surpassed him with four (2002, 2006–2007, 2009).<ref name="profootballhof.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.profootballhof.com/players/zach-thomas | title=Zach Thomas &#124; Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site }}</ref>

From 1998 to 2006, Thomas led a defensive unit that finished top 10 in total defense in seven consecutive seasons (1998–2004), and in eight out of nine (2006). In five of those nine seasons (1998, 2000, 2002–2003, 2006), Thomas' defenses finished top five in total scoring defense, including first overall in 1998.<ref>{{cite web | last=Wingfield | first=Travis | title=Leader Of A Generational Defense, Zach Thomas Gets The Call To Canton | website=Miami Dolphins | date=2023-02-14 | url=https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/zach-thomas-call-to-canton | access-date=2025-04-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/ | title=Miami Dolphins Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks | website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]] }}</ref>

Thomas is also known for his longevity with the Dolphins, and currently is second all-time in Dolphins history for most games played by a defensive player in the team's history with 168, behind Taylor's 204.<ref name="profootballhof.com"/> A seven-time [[Pro Bowl]] selection (the most ever by a Dolphins defensive player), and seven-time first- or second-team [[All-Pro]], Thomas recorded more than 1,700 combined tackles (1,100+ solo) in his career which included leading the league in tackles twice (2002, 2006),<ref name="Zach Thomas ESPN Stats">{{Cite web |title=Zach Thomas ESPN Stats |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/985/zach-thomas}}</ref> topping at least 100 combined tackles (he topped 150+ tackles six times) in 10 out of his 12 seasons with the Dolphins, and currently ranks sixth on the [[List of National Football League career tackles leaders|NFL's all-time career tackles list]]. He was named a two-time NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year (1998, 2006), and was also selected to the [[National Football League 2000s All-Decade Team|NFL 2000s All-Decade Team]].

In 2006, Thomas was inducted into the Texas Tech Athletics Hall of Fame, and was later enshrined into the [[Texas Tech Red Raiders]] Ring of Honor in 2016. In 2015, Thomas was inducted into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]].  In 2012, Thomas was enshrined into the [[Miami Dolphins Honor Roll]], and on February 9, 2023, in his 10th year of eligibility and in his fourth straight year being a finalist, Zach Thomas was elected as a member to the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] Class of 2023.

==Early life==
Thomas was born in [[Pampa, Texas]].  He attended White Deer Schools in [[White Deer, Texas]], until he was a sophomore, then transferred to [[Pampa High School]] in his junior year. He was a standout [[high school football]] player and was named a first-team all-state selection as a senior.  Thomas and his older brother, Bart, were high school teammates at [[White Deer High School]] in White Deer. In 1988, Thomas' freshman year, the White Deer team went 16–0 and won the Class 1A state championship.

==College career==
Thomas attended [[Texas Tech University]], where he was a three-year starter at linebacker for the [[Texas Tech Red Raider football]] team.  As a junior in 1994, he was a second-team All-American.  As a senior in 1995, he was a unanimous first-team All-American, the [[Big 12 Conference]] Defensive Player of the Year, and a finalist for the [[Butkus Award]]. Thomas is one of five Red Raiders to be named a unanimous All-American along with [[Mark Bounds]], [[Byron Hanspard]], [[Michael Crabtree]], and [[Jace Amaro]].<ref name="UnanimousAA">{{Cite web |last=Trotter, Jake |date=December 18, 2013 |title=Amaro, Richardson unanimous AA's |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/77504/amaro-richardson-unanimous-all-americans |access-date=December 21, 2013 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref> He recorded 390 tackles, including a career-high 131 tackles and a school-record 20 tackles against [[Georgia State|Georgia]] in his senior season.<ref name="College Record">{{Cite news |date=March 26, 2007 |title=Greatest Tech athelete &#91;sic&#93; poll: Wes Welker and Zach Thomas profiles |work=[[The Daily Toreador]] |url=http://media.www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2007/03/26/Sports/Greatest.Tech.Athelete.Poll.Wes.Welker.And.Zach.Thomas.Profiles-2790280.shtml?reffeature=htmlemailedition |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929084135/http://media.www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2007/03/26/Sports/Greatest.Tech.Athelete.Poll.Wes.Welker.And.Zach.Thomas.Profiles-2790280.shtml?reffeature=htmlemailedition |archive-date=September 29, 2007}}</ref> Thomas and his brother Bart were the only pair of brothers to be named first-team All-Southwest Conference selections in the same year.

Thomas' most memorable college game for Texas Tech occurred on October 7, 1995, against rival [[Texas A&M University]]. Texas A&M entered the game riding a five-game winning streak against Texas Tech dating back to 1990. In a defensive 7–7 tie ballgame heading late into the fourth quarter, Thomas intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown with 34 seconds remaining, helping Texas Tech snap their five-game losing streak to Texas A&M, winning by a final score of 14–7. Thomas finished the game with 12 combined tackles, one fumble recovery, and the game-clinching interception return for a touchdown.

Thomas was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.<ref name="CFHOF">{{Cite web |title=NFF Proudly Announces Star-Studded 2015 College Football Hall of Fame Class |url=https://footballfoundation.org/news/2015/1/8/_55116.aspx?path=football |access-date=January 12, 2015 |website=FootballFoundation.org | date=January 9, 2015 |publisher=National Football Foundation}}</ref>

===College awards and honors===
* Second-team ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'' All-[[Southwest Conference|SWC]] (1993)
* Second-team ''[[Houston Post]]'' All-SWC (1993)
* First-team [[United Press International|UPI]] [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] (1994)
* Second-team ''Football News'' All-American (1994)
* Second-team ''[[Sporting News]]'' All-American (1994)
* 2× SWC Defensive Player of the Year (1994, 1995)
* Unanimous first-team All-American (1995)
* First-team All-SWC (1995)
* [[College Football Hall of Fame]]
* Texas Tech Hall of Fame

==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
|    height ft = 5
|    height in = 11
|       weight = 233
|         dash = 4.85
|    ten split = 1.67
| twenty split = 2.77
|      shuttle = 4.24
|   cone drill =
|     vertical = 28.5
|     broad ft = 8
|     broad in = 8
|        bench = 20
|     arm span = 30 5/8
|    hand span = 9 1/4
|    wonderlic =
|         note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=23417 |title=Zach Thomas, Combine Results, ILB - Texas Tech |website=nflcombineresults.com |access-date=December 24, 2021}}</ref>
}}

Thomas attended the [[NFL Scouting Combine]] in [[Indianapolis]], but had a performance that was described as lousy and included a 28.5" vertical jump.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reilly, Rick |date=November 25, 1996 |title=Crash course undersized rookie sensation Zach Thomas brings the same recklessness to living that he does to driving the Miami D |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1996/11/25/219449/crash-course-undersized-rookie-sensation-zach-thomas-brings-the-same-recklessness-to-living-that-he-does-to-driving-the-miami-d |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=si.com |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907221329/https://www.si.com/vault/1996/11/25/219449/crash-course-undersized-rookie-sensation-zach-thomas-brings-the-same-recklessness-to-living-that-he-does-to-driving-the-miami-d |url-status=dead }}</ref> Miami Dolphins' special-teams coordinator, [[Mike Westhoff]], was sent to Texas by the Dolphins to meet with Thomas and scout him for their special-teams unit.<ref name="gems" /> Thomas was considered to be too small and not fast or athletic enough to play at the professional level according to scouts and draft experts.<ref name="success">{{Cite web |last=James Walker |date=April 20, 2016 |title=Dolphins found late-round draft success with LB Zach Thomas in 1996 |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/20702/dolphins-found-late-round-draft-success-with-lb-zach-thomas-in-1996 |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

===Miami Dolphins===
[[Image:Rosenhaus Zach Thomas.jpg|thumb|Thomas (right) with agent [[Drew Rosenhaus]]]]
[[Image:Zach Thomas2.jpg|thumb|Thomas with the [[Miami Dolphins]]]]
The Miami Dolphins selected Thomas in the fifth round (154th overall) of the [[1996 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1996 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1996/draft.htm |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Thomas was the 18th linebacker drafted in a linebacker class that included [[Ray Lewis]], [[Tedy Bruschi]], [[Donnie Edwards]], and [[Kevin Hardy (linebacker)|Kevin Hardy]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1996 NFL Draft |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1996/draft.htm |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Thomas was the second linebacker the Dolphins drafted in 1996, joining their fourth-round pick [[Baylor Bears football|Baylor]] linebacker LaCurtis Jones (126th overall).<ref name="success" /> Thomas was initially drafted to join special teams after the Miami Dolphins' special-teams coordinator Mike Westhoff recommended him to head coach Jimmy Johnson.<ref name="gems">{{Cite web |last=Cote, Greg |date=April 29, 2017 |title=Dolphins history has seen many late-round draft gems, but none quite like the kid from Pampa, Texas |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/greg-cote/article147639689.html |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=miamiherald.com}}</ref>

{{quote box
|align=right
|width=33%
|quote=The bottom line is that Zach Thomas was making plays. He has quickness, he's an instinctive player, and he makes plays ... [[Jack Del Rio]] would still be here and still be our starter were it not for the play of Zach Thomas.
|source=–[[Jimmy Johnson (American football coach)|Jimmy Johnson]] [[1996 NFL season|(1996)]]
}}

====1996====
On July 3, 1996, the Dolphins signed Thomas to a three-year, [[United States dollar|$]]577,000 [[contract]] at the league minimum.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Texas Tech Pros: Zach Thomas |url=http://www.newschannel10.com/story/13388427/texas-tech-pros-zach-thomas |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=newschannel10.com |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907183021/http://www.newschannel10.com/story/13388427/texas-tech-pros-zach-thomas |url-status=dead }}</ref> He impressed the Dolphins' coaching staff during training camp and quickly rose up the depth chart to compete for the job as the starting middle linebacker against [[Jack Del Rio]]. Head coach [[Jimmy Johnson (American football coach)|Jimmy Johnson]] officially named Thomas the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season. On August 3, 1996, the Dolphins subsequently released Del Rio due to the sudden emergence of Thomas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2016 |title=Jack Del Rio, Zach Thomas Forever Linked |url=https://newsok.com/article/2979805/jack-del-rio-zach-thomas-forever-linked |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=newsok.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 3, 1996 |title=Dolphins release Del Rio |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/08/06/dolphins-release-del-rio/57290417-eb76-4d23-8213-7b30642947ec/ |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=washingtonpost.com}}</ref>

He made his professional regular-season debut and first career start in the [[1996 Miami Dolphins|Miami Dolphins']] season-opener at home, against the [[1996 New England Patriots|New England Patriots]] and made nine combined tackles and his first career sack in their 24–10 victory. Thomas made his first career tackle on Patriots' running back [[Curtis Martin]] and made his first career sack on Patriots' quarterback [[Drew Bledsoe]] for a six-yard loss in the first quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots - September 1st, 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199609010mia.htm |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The following week, he collected a season-high 15 combined tackles as the Dolphins defeated the [[1996 Arizona Cardinals|Arizona Cardinals]] 38–10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL #0 Zach Thomas -ESPN (1996) |url=http://espn.com/nfl/playergamelog?playerId=985&season=1996&lang=EN |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=ESPN.com }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In week 6, he collected 12 combined tackles in the Dolphins' 22–15 loss against the [[1996 Seattle Seahawks|Seattle Seahawks]]. On October 13, 1996, Thomas recorded 11 combined tackles, a sack, and made his first career interception during a 21–7 win at the [[1996 Buffalo Bills|Buffalo Bills]] in week 7. Thomas made his first career interception off a pass by Bills' quarterback [[Jim Kelly]] that was originally intended for tight end [[Lonnie Johnson (American football)|Lonnie Johnson]], and returned it for an 11-yard gain in the first quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills - October 13th, 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199610130buf.htm |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On November 17, 1996, Thomas made eight combined tackles and returned an interception for his first career touchdown in the Dolphins' 23–20 win against the [[1996 Houston Oilers|Houston Oilers]] in week 12. Thomas intercepted a pass by Oilers' quarterback [[Chris Chandler (American football)|Chris Chandler]] that was intended for tight end [[Frank Wycheck]], and returned it for a 26-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Oilers at Miami Dolphins - November 17th, 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199611170oti.htm |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Thomas finished his rookie season in [[1996 NFL season|1996]] with 153 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks, while starting all 16 games.<ref name="espncareer">{{Cite web |title=NFL #0 Zach Thomas -ESPN (career) |url=http://espn.com/nfl/playerstats?playerId=985 |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=ESPN.com }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Thomas was a [[1997 Pro Bowl]] alternate and an All-Rookie selection in 1996.

====1997====
On August 4, 1997, Thomas sustained a fractured [[fibula]] during the Dolphins' 38–19 win against the [[1997 Denver Broncos|Denver Broncos]] in their preseason-opener.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 5, 1997 |title=Dolphins 39 Broncos 19 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/08/05/dolphins-38-broncos-19/9607f81b-19e4-4f0d-ad07-37f544d2c62c/ |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=washingtonpost.com}}</ref> His injury sidelined him for the remainder of the preseason and he was also inactive for the Miami Dolphins' 16–10 season-opening victory against the [[1997 Indianapolis Colts|Indianapolis Colts]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 7, 1997 |title=Miami's Thomas Back in the Middle |url=https://articles.latimes.com/keyword/zach-thomas |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116160000/http://articles.latimes.com/keyword/zach-thomas |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 16, 2012 |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> Head coach Jimmy Johnson named Thomas the starting middle linebacker upon his return from injury. He started alongside outside linebackers [[Anthony Harris (linebacker)|Anthony Harris]] and [[Derrick Rodgers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1997 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/1997_roster.htm |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In week 4, he collected a season-high 12 combined tackles and made an interception during a 31–21 loss at the [[1997 Tampa Bay Buccaneers|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]. On October 27, 1997, Thomas tied his season-high of 12 combined tackles in the Dolphins' 36–33 loss at the [[1997 Chicago Bears|Chicago Bears]] in week 9.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL #0 Zach Thomas -ESPN (1997) |url=http://espn.com/nfl/playergamelog?playerId=985&season=1997&lang=EN |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=ESPN.com }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He finished the [[1997 NFL season|1997 season]] with a total of 127 combined tackles, an interception, and was credited with half a sack in 15 games and 15 starts.<ref name="espncareer" />

The [[1997 Miami Dolphins|Miami Dolphins]] finished second in the [[AFC East]] with a 9–7 record and earned a wildcard berth. On December 28, 1997, Thomas started in his first career playoff game and recorded 10 combined tackles during the Dolphins 17–3 loss as the [[1997 New England Patriots|New England Patriots]] won the AFC Wildcard Game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (1997) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/zachthomas/2503328/gamelogs?season=1997 |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

====1998====
Thomas was retained as the starting middle linebacker for the third consecutive season and started alongside outside linebackers [[Robert Jones (linebacker)|Robert Jones]] and Derrick Rodgers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/1998_roster.htm |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

On September 20, 1998, Thomas recorded eight combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown during a 21–0 win against the [[1998 Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers]] in week 3. Thomas intercepted a pass by Steelers' quarterback [[Kordell Stewart]] and returned it for a 17-yard touchdown in the third quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins - September 20th, 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199809200mia.htm |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On November 1, 1998, he collected a season-high 14 combined tackles during a 30–24 loss at the [[1998 Buffalo Bills|Buffalo Bills]] in week 9. In week 14, Thomas recorded six combined tackles and made a season-high two interceptions in the Dolphins' 27–17 win at the [[1998 Oakland Raiders|Oakland Raiders]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (1998) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/zachthomas/2503328/gamelogs?season=1998 |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Thomas intercepted two pass attempts by quarterback [[Donald Hollas]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Oakland Raiders - December 6th, 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199812060rai.htm |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He started in all 16 games in [[1998 NFL season|1998]] and recorded 133 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks.<ref name="espncareer" /> Thomas was first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career as the Dolphins defense allowed the fewest points in the NFL.

The Miami Dolphins finished second in the AFC East with a 10–6 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 2, 1999, Thomas recorded eight combined tackles during a 24–17 win against the [[1998 Buffalo Bills|Buffalo Bills]] in the AFC Wildcard Game. The following week, he made 10 combined tackles as the Dolphins' lost to the [[1998 Denver Broncos|Denver Broncos]] in the AFC Divisional Round 38–3.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL #0 Zach Thomas -ESPN (1998) |url=http://espn.com/nfl/playergamelog?playerId=985&season=1998&lang=EN |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=ESPN.com }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

====1999====
On February 13, 1999, the Miami Dolphins signed Thomas to a five-year, $22.50 million contract that included a signing bonus of $4.50 million.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zach Thomas Stays With Dolphins |url=https://www.apnews.com/733374d8c020614c1f7804b9211766cb |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=apnews.com |archive-date=September 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908092736/https://www.apnews.com/733374d8c020614c1f7804b9211766cb |url-status=dead }}</ref> Thomas's $6.5 million in salary and bonus made him the Dolphins highest-paid player, surpassing [[Dan Marino]].<ref>"THOMAS PASSES MARINO AS DOLPHINS' HIGHEST-PAID PLAYER", [[Miami Herald]], September 13, 1999.</ref> Head coach Jimmy Johnson retained Thomas, Robert Jones, and Derrick Rodgers as the starting linebackers in 1999. In week 15, Thomas collected a season-high 13 combined tackles during the Dolphins' 12–9 win against the [[1999 San Diego Chargers|San Diego Chargers]]. He started in all 16 games in [[1999 NFL season|1999]] and recorded 132 combined tackles, a sack, and an interception.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL #0 Zach Thomas -ESPN (1999) |url=http://espn.com/nfl/playergamelog?playerId=985&season=1999&lang=EN |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=ESPN.com }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Thomas was selected to the [[2000 Pro Bowl]], marking the first of his career.

The [[1999 Miami Dolphins|Miami Dolphins]] finished third in the AFC East with a 9–7 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 9, 2000, Thomas recorded nine combined tackles and a sack during a 20–17 victory at the [[1999 Seattle Seahawks|Seattle Seahawks]] in the AFC Wildcard Game. The following week, he made 10 combined tackles as the Dolphins lost 62–7 at the [[1999 Jacksonville Jaguars|Jacksonville Jaguars]] in the AFC Divisional Round.

====2000====
On January 17, 2000, head coach Jimmy Johnson announced his decision to step down as head coach of the Miami Dolphins.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Noble, Charlie |date=January 17, 2000 |title=Jimmy Johnson Quits as Coach Of Dolphins |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/17/sports/pro-football-jimmy-johnson-quits-as-coach-of-dolphins.html |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Assistant head coach [[Dave Wannstedt]] was promoted to head coach. Wannstedt opted to retain Thomas as the starting middle linebacker, alongside Robert Jones and Derrick Rodgers. On September 17, 2000, Thomas collected a season-high 13 combined tackles during a 19–6 win against the [[2000 Baltimore Ravens|Baltimore Ravens]] in week 3.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL #0 Zach Thomas -ESPN (career) |url=http://espn.com/nfl/playergamelog?playerId=985&season=2000&lang=EN |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=ESPN.com }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Thomas was sidelined during the Dolphins' week 5 victory at the [[2000 Cincinnati Bengals|Cincinnati Bengals]] due to a sprained ankle.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2000 |title=Miami's Thomas won't play |url=https://articles.latimes.com/keyword/zach-thomas |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116160000/http://articles.latimes.com/keyword/zach-thomas |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 16, 2012 |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> Thomas was inactive for four games (weeks 9–12) after aggravating his sprained ankle during a week 8 loss at the [[2000 New York Jets|New York Jets]] the previous week.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2000 |title=Dolphins' Thomas will sit out again |url=https://articles.latimes.com/keyword/zach-thomas |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116160000/http://articles.latimes.com/keyword/zach-thomas |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 16, 2012 |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> He finished the [[2000 NFL season|2000 season]] with 99 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception in 11 games and 11 starts.<ref name="espncareer" />

====2001====
Defensive coordinator [[Jim Bates (American football)|Jim Bates]] retained Thomas as the starting middle linebacker. He started alongside [[Twan Russell]] and Derrick Rodgers to begin the 2001 regular season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/2001_roster.htm |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

He started in the [[2001 Miami Dolphins|Miami Dolphins']] season-opener at the [[2001 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]] and recorded nine combined tackles, deflected two passes, and returned an interception for a touchdown in their 31–23 victory.<ref name="stats1" /> Thomas intercepted a pass by Titans backup quarterback [[Neil O'Donnell]], that was intended for tight end [[Erron Kinney]], and returned it for a 34-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans - September 9th, 2001 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200109090oti.htm |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The following week, he collected a career-high 18 combined tackles (9 solo) during an 18–15 victory against the [[2001 Oakland Raiders|Oakland Raiders]] in week 2.<ref name="stats1" /> In week 5, he recorded 9 combined tackles and made a season-high 1-1/2 sacks as the Dolphins lost 21–17 at the [[2001 New York Jets|New York Jets]].<ref name="stats1" /> Thomas finished the [[2001 NFL season|2001 season]] with 154 combined tackles (94 solo), three sacks, two pass deflections, two interceptions, and a touchdown in 15 games and 15 starts.<ref name="career">{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (career) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/zachthomas/2503328/careerstats |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Head coach Dave Wannstedt chose to rest Thomas during the Dolphins' week 17 win against the [[2001 Buffalo Bills|Buffalo Bills]], as they had already clinched a playoff berth. Thomas was also selected to play in the [[2002 Pro Bowl]].

The Miami Dolphins finished second in the AFC East in 2001 with an 11–5 record. On January 13, 2002, Thomas recorded 22 combined tackles (14 solo) during the Dolphins' 20–3 loss against the [[2001 Baltimore Ravens|Baltimore Ravens]] in the AFC Wildcard Game.<ref name="stats1">{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (2001) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/zachthomas/2503328/gamelogs?season=2001 |access-date=September 7, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

====2002====
Thomas returned as the starting middle linebacker under Wannstedt and started alongside outside linebackers Derrick Rodgers and [[Morlon Greenwood]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/2002_roster.htm |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On December 29, 2002, Thomas collected a season-high 16 combined tackles (11 solo) in the Dolphins' 27–24 loss at the [[2002 New England Patriots|New England Patriots]] in week 17.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (2002) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/zachthomas/2503328/gamelogs?season=2002 |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He started in all 16 games in [[2002 NFL season|2002]] and recorded 156 combined tackles (101 solo), two pass deflections, an interception, and was credited with half a sack.<ref name="career" />

====2003====
On March 27, 2003, the Miami Dolphins signed Thomas to a five-year, [[United States dollar|$]]33.75 million contract extension that included a signing bonus of $10.50 million. The agreement kept him under contract with Miami through [[2008 NFL season|2008]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Jeff |date=March 28, 2003 |title=Zach Thomas signs contract extension with Dolphins |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/dolphins/2003-03-28-thomas-extension_x.htm |access-date=April 12, 2008 |website=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Dolphins extend Thomas' contract |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/29/sports/plus-pro-football-dolphins-extend-thomas-s-contract.html |access-date=September 8, 2018 |newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 29, 2003 }}</ref>

On November 2, 2003, Thomas collected a season-high 19 combined tackles (12 solo) in the Dolphins' 23–17 loss to the [[2003 Indianapolis Colts|Indianapolis Colts]] in week 9.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (2003) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/zachthomas/2503328/gamelogs?season=2003 |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He was inactive for the Dolphins' week 10 loss at the [[2003 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]] due to a [[groin]] injury.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2003 |title=Miami Dolphins' linebacker Zach Thomas will be miss Sunday's game |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/keyword/zach-thomas/featured/2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908202514/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/keyword/zach-thomas/featured/2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 8, 2018 |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> On November 27, 2003, Thomas made six combined tackles, a pass deflection, a sack, and an interception during a 40–21 victory at the [[2003 Dallas Cowboys|Dallas Cowboys]] in week 13. Thomas intercepted a pass by Cowboys' quarterback [[Quincy Carter]] that was intended for wide receiver [[Terry Glenn]] in the fourth quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys - November 27th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200311270dal.htm |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He finished the [[2002 NFL season|2002 season]] with 152 combined tackles  
(84 solo), six pass deflections, three interceptions, and a sack in 15 games and 15 starts.<ref name="career" /> Thomas was selected to play in the [[2004 Pro Bowl]] and earned his fifth All-Pro selection in six years.

====2004====
Thomas started alongside Morlon Greenwood and [[Junior Seau]] in 2004 after the Dolphins signed Seau during free agency.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/2004_roster.htm |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On November 9, 2004, head coach Dave Wannstedt unexpectedly announced his resignation as the Miami Dolphins' head coach after they declined and fell to a 1–8 record. Defensive coordinator [[Jim Bates (American football)|Jim Bates]] was promoted to interim head coach for the last seven games of the regular season.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Battista |first=Judy |date=November 10, 2004 |title=Discord in Miami as Wannstedt Quits |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/10/sports/football/discord-in-miami-as-wannstedt-quits.html |access-date=September 8, 2018}}</ref> Thomas injured his [[hamstring]] and was sidelined for three games (Weeks 13–15).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jaguars' Leftwich Is Ready to Return |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-nov-25-sp-nflrep25-story.html |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=November 25, 2004 }}</ref> On December 26, 2004, Thomas collected a season-high 18 combined tackles (nine solo) during the Dolphins' 10–7 victory against the [[2004 Cleveland Browns|Cleveland Browns]] in week 16.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (2004) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/zachthomas/2503328/gamelogs?season=2004 |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He finished the [[2004 NFL season]] with 145 combined tackles (85 solo), four pass deflections, and two sacks in 13 games and 13 starts.<ref name="career" /> The Miami Dolphins finished with a disappointing record of 4–12 and the remaining coaching staff was fired after the season.

====2005====
Head coach [[Nick Saban]] retained Thomas as the starting middle linebacker in 2005. Thomas started the 2005 season alongside outside linebackers [[Channing Crowder]] and Junior Seau.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/2005_roster.htm |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He also played under defensive coordinator [[Richard Smith (American football coach)|Richard Smith]] and linebackers coach [[George Edwards (American football)|George Edwards]].

In week 3, he collected a season-high 16 combined tackles (nine solo), broke up a pass, and made a sack during a 27–24 win against the [[2005 Carolina Panthers|Carolina Panthers]]. On October 21, 2005, Thomas made 14 combined tackles (eight solo) as the Dolphins lost 30–20 to the [[2005 Kansas City Chiefs|Kansas City Chiefs]] in week 7. His 14 combined tackles against the Chiefs continued his streak of six consecutive games with double-digit tackles. In week 11, Thomas injured his shoulder and was inactive for the next two games (weeks 12–13).<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 25, 2005 |title=Dolphins Lose Seau for Season |work=Los Angeles Times |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-nov-25-sp-nflrep25-story.html |access-date=September 8, 2018}}</ref> On December 11, 2005, Thomas recorded 11 combined tackles (nine solo), broke up a pass, and intercepted a pass attempt by Chargers' quarterback [[Drew Brees]] as the Dolphins defeated the [[2005 San Diego Chargers|San Diego Chargers]] 23–21 in week 15.<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at Miami Dolphins - December 11th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200512110sdg.htm |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On December 19, 2005, it was announced that Thomas was selected to play in the [[2006 Pro Bowl]], marking his seventh Pro Bowl selection of his career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 Pro Bowl Rosters |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2267706 |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=ESPN.com|date = December 21, 2005}}</ref> He tied for the third-most Pro Bowl appearances in club history; this is also the record for most Pro Bowl selections among all defensive players in the Dolphins'  
franchise history. Thomas finished his 10th season in [[2005 NFL season|2005]] with 158 combined tackles (104 solo), three pass deflections, two sacks, and two interceptions in 14 games and 14 starts.<ref name="career" />

====2006====
On January 23, 2006, the Miami Dolphins hired former [[2005 Houston Texans|Houston Texans']] head coach [[Dom Capers]] as their new defensive coordinator. Capers opted to retain Thomas as the starting middle linebacker and named Channing Crowder and Donnie Spragan the starting outside linebackers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/2006_roster.htm |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

In week 11, he collected 17 combined tackles (four solo) in a 24–20 victory against the [[2006 Minnesota Vikings|Minnesota Vikings]]. The following week, he recorded six solo tackles, broke up a pass, and made two sacks on Lions'quarterback [[Jon Kitna]] during a 27–10 victory at the [[2006 Detroit Lions|Detroit Lions]] in week 12.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Detroit Lions - November 23rd, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611230det.htm |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On December 17, 2006, Thomas recorded a career-high 21 combined tackles during a 21–0 loss at the [[2006 Buffalo Bills|Buffalo Bills]] in week 15.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (2006) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/zachthomas/2503328/gamelogs?season=2006 |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> On December 20, 2006, Thomas was selected to play in the [[2007 Pro Bowl]] as part of the AFC Roster.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Pro Bowl Roster |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2702582 |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=ESPN.com|date = December 19, 2006}}</ref> Thomas started all 16 games in [[2006 NFL season|2006]] and recorded a career-high 165 combined tackles (103 solo), nine passes defensed, three sacks, and an interception.<ref name="career" />

====2007====
On January 3, 2007, Miami Dolphins' head coach Nick Saban resigned from his position to accept the head coaching job with the [[University of Alabama]]. Saban resigned after repeatedly denying he would accept the position.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2007 |title=Saban leaves Dolphins to coach Alabama |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/03/AR2007010301775.html |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=WashingtonPost.com}}</ref> The Dolphins hired the [[2006 San Diego Chargers|San Diego Chargers']] offensive coordinator [[Cam Cameron]]. Cameron retained Dom Capers as the defensive coordinator and George Edwards as the linebackers' coach. Thomas remained the starting middle linebacker, alongside outside linebackers Channing Crowder and [[Joey Porter]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/2007_roster.htm |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

He started in the [[2007 Miami Dolphins|Miami Dolphins']] season-opener at the [[2007 Washington Redskins|Washington Redskins]] and collected a season-high 13 combined tackles (nine solo) and made one sack in their 16–13 loss.
On September 16, 2007, Thomas recorded 10 combined tackles and broke up two passes before exiting the game due to a concussion he suffered while tackling Cowboys' [[Fullback (gridiron football)|fullback]] [[Oliver Hoyte]] in the third quarter of their 37–10 loss to the [[2007 Dallas Cowboys|owboys]]. 
His concussion rendered him inactive for the next two games (Weeks 3–4). On October 21, 2007, Thomas was involved in a car collision and sustained another concussion during the accident. His repeated concussions caused Thomas to have migraine headaches that lingered until being placed on the [[injured reserve list]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2007 |title=Dolphins' Zach Thomas out with migraines |url=https://www.upi.com/Dolphins-Zach-Thomas-out-with-migraines/47131194649380/ |access-date=September 8, 2018 |website=upi.com}}</ref> On December 4, 2007, the Miami Dolphins officially placed Thomas on injured reserve after he missed five games (Weeks 8–13) due to his 
repeated migraine headaches.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 26, 2008 |title=Nothing Wrong With Asking Why |url=http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2008/02/26/nothing-wrong-asking-why |access-date=November 30, 2016 |website=DallasCowboys.com |archive-date=April 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423152217/http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2008/02/26/nothing-wrong-asking-why |url-status=dead }}</ref> On December 20, 2007, the Miami Dolphins hired [[Bill Parcells]] as their head of football operations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Parcells signs four-year deal to head Dolphins' Football operations |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3162909 |access-date=September 9, 2018 |website=ESPN.com|date = December 20, 2007}}</ref> Thomas finished the [[2007 NFL season|2007 season]] with 52 combined tackles (42 solo), two pass deflections, and a sack in five games and five starts.<ref name="career" />

On January 1, 2008, the Miami Dolphins fired head coach Cam Cameron after a 1–15 record.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2008 |title=Cameron's firing continues Miami's upheaval under Parcells |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3178646 |access-date=September 9, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On February 14, 2008, the Miami Dolphins released Thomas after announcing that he no longer fit into their long-term plans and his contract was terminated.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 15, 2008 |title=Dolphins release Thomas after 12 seasons |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3245927 |access-date=November 30, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Thomas received offers from the Dallas Cowboys, [[New Orleans Saints]] and [[New England Patriots]].

===Dallas Cowboys===
On February 23, 2008, the Dallas Cowboys signed Thomas to a one-year, $3 million contract that included a signing bonus of $1 million.<ref name="Pasquarelli">{{Cite news |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=February 24, 2008 |title=Thomas appears headed home to Texas, deal with Dallas |work=ESPN.com |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3260529 |access-date=November 30, 2016}}</ref> The signing of Thomas surprised media and observers, considering that he did not have the previous experience or the size to play in the Cowboys' [[3-4 defense]]. After he joined the roster, the Cowboys traded [[linebacker]] [[Akin Ayodele]] to the Dolphins to clear space for Thomas to become a starter at inside linebacker.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2008 |title=Cowboys trade Ayodele, Fasano to Dolphins for fourth-round pick |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft08/news/story?id=3368421 |access-date=November 30, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Thomas started alongside [[Bradie James]] and outside linebackers [[DeMarcus Ware]] and [[Greg Ellis (American football)|Greg Ellis]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart: 08/31/2008 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/29/DAL |access-date=September 9, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}</ref> In week 4, he collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (six solo) during the Cowboys' 26–24 loss to the [[2006 Washington Redskins|Washington Redskins]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Zach Thomas (2006) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/zachthomas/2503328/gamelogs?season=2008 |access-date=September 9, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He finished the season with 94 combined tackles (65 solo), three pass deflections, and a sack in 16 games and 14 starts.<ref name="career" />

===Kansas City Chiefs===
An [[unrestricted free agent]] in the 2009 offseason, Thomas agreed to terms with the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] on April 11.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2009 |title=Chiefs, LB Thomas agree to deal |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4062170 |access-date=November 30, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The one-year contract was worth $2 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/04/12/zach-thomas-contract-details-revealed/|title = Zach Thomas Contract Details Revealed|date = April 12, 2009}}</ref>

He suffered a concussion early in training camp and was eventually released on September 5, after not playing in any exhibition games.<ref name="final cuts">{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2009 |title=Chiefs announce roster moves |url=http://kcchiefs.com/news/2009/09/05/chiefs_announce_roster_moves/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908145739/http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2009/09/05/chiefs_announce_roster_moves |archive-date=September 8, 2009 |access-date=September 5, 2009 |publisher=Kansas City Chiefs}}</ref> In October, he filed a grievance against the Chiefs for releasing him without an injury settlement while recovering.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2009 |title=Thomas was among Chiefs' final cuts |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4530873 |access-date=November 30, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

===Retirement===
{{external media
| video1 =
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/miami-dolphins/09000d5d8183bd18/Zach-Thomas-retires Zach Thomas' Retirement Press Conference]
}}
On May 18, 2010, the Dolphins signed Thomas to a one-day ceremonial contract, officially worth $1, to retire as a member of the team.

===Awards===
In addition to being a seven-time All-Pro selection by the [[Associated Press]] and a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Thomas earned these awards and honors in his NFL career:
* NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month (October 1996)
* All-Rookie selection by ''College & Pro Football Newsweekly'', ''The Football News'', ''[[Pro Football Weekly]]'' and Pro Football Writers of America (1996)
* [[American Football Conference|AFC]] Defensive Rookie of the Year (1996)
* Dolphins' 1996 Unsung Hero Award as selected by [[National Football League Players Association|NFLPA]]
* Dolphins MVP and Newcomer of the Year by [[South Florida]] media (1996)
* AFC Defensive Player of the Month (September 1998)
* 2× NFL Alumni Association's Linebacker of the Year (1998, 2006)
* First-team All-Pro selection by the ''[[USA Today]]'', ''College & Pro Football Newsweekly'' and ''[[Football Digest]]'' (1998)
* 1998 All-[[John Madden|Madden]] Team (1998)
* 3× Dolphins' Leadership Award (1998, 1999, 2005)
* Weeks 1 & 16 2001 AFC Defensive Player of the Week (2001)
* Dolphins MVP by South Florida media and fans (2001)
* All-Iron Team as selected by [[CBS]] analyst [[Phil Simms]] (2001)
* PFWA Dolphins Chapter "Good Guy" Award (2001)
* First-team ''Pro Football Weekly'' All-AFC (2002)
* First-team ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' All-Pro (2003)
* Second-team ''Football Digest'' All-Pro (2003)
* Week 14 AFC Defensive Player of the Week (2005)
* All-AFC selection by ''Pro Football Weekly'' and the Pro Football Writers of America (2006)

==Legacy and honors==
[[File:Zach Thomas HS jersey.jpg|thumb|right|190px|Thomas' high school football jersey on display at the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]]]
[[File:Zach Thomas HOF Locker.jpg|thumb|right|190px|Thomas' "Class of 2023 Locker" on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame]]
[[File:2023 Zach Thomas 1.jpg|thumb|190px|Thomas' bronze bust at the Pro Football Hall of Fame]]
[[File:ZT Stadium.png|thumb|A commemorative plaque, honoring the renaming of the Pampa Texas High School Football Stadium to "Zach Thomas Stadium" at Harvester Field.]]
Despite being considered by many professional scouts as undersized, unathletic, and not fast enough to play linebacker at the pro level when he came into the league in 1996, Thomas achieved success in the NFL through his immense work ethic, unwavering dedication, relentless study habits, and quality leadership. Thomas was one of the most consistent linebackers of his era, playing in a total of 168 games for the Miami Dolphins which currently ranks him 2nd all-time in team history amongst defensive players, behind only Jason Taylor's 204 games played.

Thomas currently ranks sixth on the [[List of National Football League career tackles leaders|NFL's all-time career tackles list]] with an official 1,734 career tackles. In 12 years with Miami, Thomas' consistency helped anchor a Miami defense that finished top 10 in total defense in eight out of his 12 seasons, including seven consecutive from 1998-2004. In five of those eight seasons, Thomas' defenses finished top five in total scoring defense, including first overall in 1998. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, which is currently the most all-time for a Dolphins defensive player. Thomas was a five-time First Team All-Pro, two-time Second Team All-Pro, and two-time NFL Linebacker of the Year selected by the NFL Alumni association, and was selected to the [[NFL 2000s All-Decade Team]]. Thomas won numerous Miami Dolphin team awards, including two team MVP Awards (1996, 2001) and three Dolphins Team Leadership Awards (1998, 1999, 2005).

Thomas has been inducted into numerous Halls of Fame in his native "West Texas Panhandle", which include the Pampa High School Hall of Fame, the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame, and the Texas High School Sports Hall of Fame.
 
In 2006, Thomas was inducted into the [[Texas Tech University|Texas Tech]] Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2015, Thomas was inducted into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]] and the following year in 2016, was inducted into the [[Texas Tech Red Raiders football|Texas Tech Red Raiders]] Ring of Honor.

In 2012, Thomas was inducted into the [[Miami Dolphins Honor Roll]] alongside his teammate Jason Taylor. He is currently one of two Miami Dolphins (the other being Jason Taylor) where his jersey number (#54), while not officially retired, has not been reissued since his retirement. Thomas became eligible for the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] for the first time in 2014. He became a semifinalist for the first time in 2019. He then reached being a finalist for election the next three years from 2020 to 2022. After being a finalist for a fourth consecutive year in his 10th overall year of eligibility, on February 9, 2023, Zach Thomas was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and was formally enshrined on August 5, 2023.

In September 2024, the Pampa, Texas ISD Board of Trustees honored Zach Thomas by formally renaming his Pampa, Texas High School football stadium to "Zach Thomas Stadium" at Harvester Field.

==NFL career statistics==
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2"| Legend
|-
| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|
| Led the league
|-
| '''Bold'''
| Career high
|}

===Regular season===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="2"| Games
! colspan="4"| Tackles
! colspan="4"| Interceptions
! colspan="4"| Fumbles
|-
! GP !! GS !! Cmb !! Solo !! Ast !! Sck !! Int !! Yds !! TD !! PD !! FF !! FR !! Yds !! TD
|-
! [[1996 NFL season|1996]] !! [[1996 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]
| 16 || 16 || 154 || '''120''' || 34 || 2.0 || '''3''' || '''64''' || 1 || 5 || 2 || '''2''' || 7 || 0
|-
! [[1997 NFL season|1997]] !! [[1997 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]
| 15 || 15 || 128 || 78 || 50 || 0.5 || 1 || 10 || 0 || 8 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[1998 NFL season|1998]] !! [[1998 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]
| 16 || 16 || 137 || 86 || 51 || 2.0 || '''3''' || 21 || '''2''' || 7 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[1999 NFL season|1999]] !! [[1999 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]
| 16 || 16 || 134 || 85 || 49 || 1.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 9 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 
|-
! [[2000 NFL season|2000]] !! [[2000 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]
| 11 || 11 || 99 || 56 || 43 || 1.5 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2001 NFL season|2001]] !! [[2001 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]
| 15 || 15 || 155 || 95 || 60 || '''3.0''' || 2 || 51 || 1 || 4 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2002 NFL season|2002]] !! [[2002 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]
| 16 || 16 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 156 || 100 || 56 || 0.5 || 1 || 7 || 0 || 4 || 0 || 1 || '''22''' || 0
|-
! [[2003 NFL season|2003]] !! [[2003 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]
| 15 || 15 || 153 || 85 || '''68''' || 1.0 || '''3''' || 21 || 0 || '''10''' || 1 || '''2''' || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2004 NFL season|2004]] !! [[2004 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]
| 13 || 13 || 145 || 85 || 60 || 2.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 4 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2005 NFL season|2005]] !! [[2005 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]
| 14 || 14 || 162 || 107 || 55 || 2.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 3 || '''4''' || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2006 NFL season|2006]] !! [[2006 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]
| 16 || 16 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''165''' || 103 || 62 || '''3.0''' || 1 || -4 || 0 || 8 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2007 NFL season|2007]] !! [[2007 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]
| 5 || 5 || 52 || 42 || 10 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2008 NFL season|2008]] !! [[2008 Dallas Cowboys season|DAL]]
| 16 || 14 || 94 || 65 || 29 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 3 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
! colspan="2"| Career<ref name="Zach Thomas ESPN Stats" /> !! 184 !! 182 !! 1,734 !! 1,107 !! 627 !! 20.5 !! 17 !! 170 !! 4 !! 68 !! 16 !! 8 !! 29 !! 0
|}

==Personal life==
Thomas was raised in White Deer, Texas by his parents, Steve and Bobby Thomas. He has an older brother, Bart Thomas, and younger sister, Katina Thomas. Katina was married to Thomas' Dolphins' teammate, [[Jason Taylor (American football)|Jason Taylor]], from 2000 to 2015 and has three children with him.<ref>[http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2007/06/jt-unplugged.html Jason Taylor Almost Quit] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327140953/http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2007/06/jt-unplugged.html |date=March 27, 2009 }} Florida Sun-Sentinel, June 21, 2007</ref> 
Thomas' father, Steve Thomas, is the builder and proprietor of the second largest cross in the Western Hemisphere, located in [[Groom, Texas]].<ref>[http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?sched=903] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421214611/http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?sched=903|date=April 21, 2009}} Act Two. Does Size Matter If You're Talking About a Cross? This American Life, Ep. 202: Faith</ref> Thomas is married to Maritza Thomas, with whom he has three children.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Habib |first=Hal |date=May 25, 2022 |title=Dolphins legend Zach Thomas: Handicap as preschooler instilled work ethic in me |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/nfl/2022/05/25/miami-dolphins-zach-thomas-says-work-ethic-traces-preschool-handicap/9730750002/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=The Palm Beach Post |language=en-US}}</ref>

For the first three years of his career Thomas earned the league minimum and lived with teammate [[Larry Izzo]].

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[http://www.miamidolphins.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/Top-50-Dolphins-Zach-Thomas/0eadaf25-1787-4ac2-b086-7a1643bfe2bc "Top 50 Dolphins: Zach Thomas"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207182324/http://www.miamidolphins.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/Top-50-Dolphins-Zach-Thomas/0eadaf25-1787-4ac2-b086-7a1643bfe2bc |date=December 7, 2015 }} at [[Miami Dolphins]]
*{{commons category-inline}}

{{1995 NCAA Division I-A College Football Consensus All-Americans}}
{{Dolphins1996DraftPicks}}
{{DolphinsHonorRoll}}
{{NFL2000s}}
{{2023 Football HOF}}
{{Pro Football Hall of Fame members}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Thomas, Zach}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:All-American college football players]]
[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:American football middle linebackers]]
[[Category:Dallas Cowboys players]]
[[Category:Kansas City Chiefs players]]
[[Category:Miami Dolphins players]]
[[Category:People from Pampa, Texas]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Texas]]
[[Category:Texas Tech Red Raiders football players]]
[[Category:College Football Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:Phi Delta Theta members]]