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Joe Thomas is heading to the Pro Football Hall of Fame without a Super Bowl title on his resume.
But the former Cleveland Browns offensive tackle would’ve had a ring on his finger if he had listened to the advice of Peyton Manning.
Ahead of this weekend’s Hall of Fame ceremony in Canton, Ohio, Thomas sat down for a conversation with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
They discussed a rumor that was floating around in 2015 that the Broncos were working on a trade deadline deal with the Browns for Thomas to replace Ryan Clady, who went down before the season started with a torn ACL.
After all, 2015 was the end of the line for Manning, and Denver wanted to send off the five-time NFL MVP in style.
The moribund Browns were going nowhere at the time and talked with the Broncos about a deal for Thomas, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and six-time All-Pro.
That’s when things got interesting, according to Thomas, who recounted a conversation he had with Manning.
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“‘Hey, Joe, I think you should go up to your GM’s office and make a stink. Literally, I want you to go up there, pull your pants down and make a stink on his desk because that’s the only way Cleveland is going to trade you. That’s the only way you’re gonna be able to get out of town. And hey, by the way buddy, you’re my drinking buddy from the Pro Bowl and I think we could win a Super Bowl this year,’” Thomas said.
Manning wasn’t wrong.
Despite Thomas staying in Cleveland, the Broncos went on to win Super Bowl 50, beating the Carolina Panthers, 24-10, to give Manning his second title before walking off into the sunset.
Thomas would stay in Cleveland for two more seasons before retiring after the 2017 campaign and entering the Hall in his first year of eligibility.
Thomas attended Thursday’s Hall of Fame game which the Browns won, beating the Jets, 21-16.
The Class of 2023 will attend the famed Gold Jacket Dinner Friday with the enshrinement ceremony set for Saturday.
