Era ended: Browns tackle set to retire

CLEVELAND» Nothing could keep Joe Thomas off the field.

The Browns’ sturdy left tackle never missed a game and never missed a single snap before a freak injury ended his 2017 season. And, sadly, his career.

The face of Cleveland’s franchise for more than a decade, and one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history, Thomas retired Wednesday after 11 seasons, ending a run exemplified by durability, dependability and dominance.

A 10-time Pro Bowler, Thomas ended months of self-reflection and speculation with a bow.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family,” said Thomas, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 draft. “Playing in the NFL has taken a toll on my body and I can no longer physically compete at the level I need to.”

Few players have ever reached his level.

Thomas started 167 consecutive games and was on the field for 10,363 consecutive snaps before tearing his left triceps while blocking on a routine running play during an Oct. 22 game against Tennessee.

The sight of the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Thomas helplessly sprawled on the ground in pain was shocking to teammates, the Titans and Cleveland fans who had never seen No. 73 look so vulnerable.

He had been an iron man, football’s version of Cal Ripken.

But the severe injury required surgery and gave Thomas, who had fought through torn knee ligaments, ankle sprains and a sore back to play in recent years, more time to consider the next phase of life. And to reflect on a career that will one day lead to his enshrinement in Canton, Ohio.