Joe Thomas, a standout in the Cleveland Browns, became a franchise icon by maintaining high standards each game. He first showed his character on draft day in 2007, choosing to fish with his father instead of attending the NFL Draft in New York. He was selected as the No. 3 overall pick while on Lake Michigan.
Thomas gave Browns fans an early glimpse of his dedication on draft day, preferring outdoor tranquility over the draft spectacle.
Hall of Fame tackle Joe Thomas high-fives fans as he is inducted into the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 1, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Diamond Images/Getty Images)
After retiring, Thomas refocused his life, including a health transformation and creating a Wisconsin cattle business named Hall of Fame Farms. During his appearance on OutKick Outdoors, he revisited his draft day decision and discussed his lifestyle changes.
Thomas made waves by eschewing the limelight of the draft. While others wore suits and shared moments with Commissioner Roger Goodell, Thomas opted for the serene setting of fishing.
“I wasn’t really interested in the pomp and circumstance of the NFL Draft,” Thomas said. “Didn’t have a suit, and would much rather spend the day fishing with my dad.”
Despite being urged to attend, Thomas chose to fish on Lake Michigan, prepared to handle any fallout from teams. His decision reflected his down-to-earth commitment, which extended through his 11-year career.
“I had a nice little Motorola flip phone with me. The Cleveland Browns called me, number three overall, and I said, ‘Yup, I’m excited to be a Cleveland Brown. I’ll be there this afternoon.’ And that’s what happened.”
Retirement brought health challenges from playing at over 310 pounds. Facing severe knee issues, Thomas embraced lifestyle changes such as reducing processed foods and increasing healthy options.
“I had so much inflammation, so much pain, couldn’t even walk down the stairs, was basically sliding down on my butt,” Thomas recalled. “The doctor said, ‘Your knee needs a knee replacement or you can lose weight.’ And I was like, ‘Well, say less.'”
His new diet and focus on fitness improved his mobility and physique, eventually leading to Hall of Fame Farms. Starting as a cash-crop operation, it evolved when his children wanted to manage livestock, leading to a passion for quality cattle farming.
“My passion that I had from football that made me a perfectionist and allowed me to be a Hall of Famer started to get poured into the cattle business,” Thomas said. “We treat each one of our animals like a professional athlete.”
On his farm, Thomas applies lessons from football to raising calves and crafting elite beef products. He finds fulfillment working with his family, nurturing his land, and sharing outdoor pursuits with his children.
“When I see them catch their first fish and the joy that they have, I feel like that’s even more exciting than when I caught my first fish,” Thomas said. “Because I’m able to pass that onto the next generation: that love of fishing, that love of the outdoors, that respect for nature.”
Thomas continues sharing the outdoors with his kids, whether chasing smallmouth bass in Canada or participating in fishing events with notable figures.
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