2023 Canton Induction Weekend

Congratulations to the class going in in 2023. Did I see them all, nope. The guys I did see were just incredible. Here are 3 that just left an impression.

Joe Thomas (T) Cleveland Browns- I remember our old WSKO draft party, in 2007, it was held at Twin River Casino. JaMarcus Russell went #1 overall and played against E2G's own Obie Trotter in high school. The Lions went WR yet again, you felt for Calvin Johnson, he turned it around on you, and he made you feel......pain. I remember Joe Thomas not being in the green room, then picked #3 overall by Cleveland. 10,363 consecutive snaps later, we saw one of the greatest. It's rare that a Hall Of Fame LT protected 20 different QB'S. They weren't hurt, the Browns front office was inept. He never played in a playoff game and we learned we all loved the man once he got his persona on TV.

Darrelle Revis (CB) Multiple Teams- Many considered him a mercenary. The highest bidder even had him spend a season in New England to get his ring. Tremendous man skills, he could legitimately take a side of the field away, even if that side was Brady-to-Moss. My major memory is the 2011 season opener vs Dallas. The clutch pick covering Dez helped set up the Jets' win. He was an absolute stud under Rex Ryan in 09-10, both years the Jets played for the AFC Title. He was part of that legendary Class of 2007 with Calvin Johnson, Thomas, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Marshawn Lynch, Joe Staley, and Greg Olsen in the 1st round.

Zach Thomas (LB) Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys- The guy who makes the measurables a perfect place to be ignored. He wasn't 6'3", 250 LBS, and a thumper. He was all of 5'10" and a problem. In his first game vs New England, he knocked Shawn Jefferson flat-out on a reverse. The Miami defense with Thomas, Taylor, Surtain, Sam Madison, Brock Marion, and Daryl Gardener. He was the guy that many elite coaches game-planned against. You can truly say that he could've done anything on the field. It's good to see the wait is over.