Might possibly be the best undersized MLB in the modern era. He was 5'11'', and only 225. That is tiny for a middle linebacker.
Anyway, through the first 13 seasons of their career, Thomas had more tackles, forced fumbles, and touchdowns than Ray Lewis. Lewis had more sacks, and INTs. I think Lewis is definitely the best linebacker of our era, so I think he's a good measuring stick to gauge Thomas. Also keep in mind Ray Lewis is 6'1'', 250, your prototypical size for a MLB - well, maybe an inch shorter.
Zach never really got the recognition he deserved because he played mainly in a post-Marino era in Miami, on teams that never were standout. But he was as consistent as any player has ever been; his longevity, especially for being so undersized, and at such a physically demanding position, is crazy. . . with only one season heavily plagued by injuries (played 5 games, and still had 52 tackles!).
Here are Zach's career stats:
http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/...85/zach-thomas
Anyway, through the first 13 seasons of their career, Thomas had more tackles, forced fumbles, and touchdowns than Ray Lewis. Lewis had more sacks, and INTs. I think Lewis is definitely the best linebacker of our era, so I think he's a good measuring stick to gauge Thomas. Also keep in mind Ray Lewis is 6'1'', 250, your prototypical size for a MLB - well, maybe an inch shorter.
Zach never really got the recognition he deserved because he played mainly in a post-Marino era in Miami, on teams that never were standout. But he was as consistent as any player has ever been; his longevity, especially for being so undersized, and at such a physically demanding position, is crazy. . . with only one season heavily plagued by injuries (played 5 games, and still had 52 tackles!).
Here are Zach's career stats:
http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/...85/zach-thomas
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