SANTA CLARA, CA (WSAU) — A former Wisconsin Offensive Lineman is heading to the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
Joe Thomas, a Badger from 2003-06, was named one of 13 players in the Class of 2019 Monday morning at the College Football Playoff Championship game.
Thomas is a Brookfield native and graduate of Central High School. He spent his entire 11-year professional career with the Cleveland Browns, earning Pro Bowl selections in his first ten seasons.
He began his career with the Badgers as a Tight End in 2003 before moving to Offensive Tackle. He became the first Badger to win the Outland Trophy in his senior season, which is given to the best interior lineman in college football.
Thomas was also named All-Big Ten three times and All-American once. His Badger teams went to four straight bowl games.
In addition to football, Thomas also participated in track and field for the Badgers in the discus and shot put.
The class of 2019 also includes coaches Dennis Erickson and Joe Taylor. Players selected for induction include USC Defensive Back Troy Polamalu, North Carolina State WR Torry Holt, Arizona State QB Jake Plumber, and Texas QB Vince Young.
The College Football Hall of Fame and museum is located in Atlanta, Georgia and is run by the National Football Foundation.
