Cleveland Browns legend Joe Thomas has joined the NFL Hall of Fame class of 2023. He spent 11 years at the Browns without ever making the playoffs. Even though his team’s performance was not up to the mark, his individual performance has been brilliant which saw him make 10,363 snaps during his NFL career, an NFL record. 

Peyton Manning, who approached Joe during the 2015 season, acknowledged his accolades. While speaking to Adam Schefter, Joe said Manning reached out to him and made a bizarre proposal because the Browns were adamant about not trading him.

Peyton Manning’s bizzarre proposal to Joe Thomas

Joe revealed that the incident happened during the 2015 season just before the trade season was about to end. Broncos’ left tackle Ryan Clady was injured and they were looking for a replacement. The Broncos had a formidable roaster, and they wanted a strong defensive line for Manning. Hence, Joe was called upon by Manning.

“It was like, ‘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,’” Thomas said, laughing.

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 The whole stink comment was made on a lighter note by Manning. He clearly understood the value of Joe Thomas and his potential. Browns were a poor team (they finished last in their division), and Joe was their biggest star. There was no way they would have traded Joe to any other team.

Joe Thomas stayed loyal to Browns

However, Thomas also revealed that there was a potential trade option available when the two teams found common ground. But it could not happen as Joe decided to stay loyal to the fans and his team. He was hesitant to leave them.

“I think there was potentially a lot more downside of trading me since I was the longest-tenured member and had a fair amount of popularity within the Browns fan base,” Thomas told Schefter. “Even though I think the draft compensation was fair, there was some trepidation about making that deal and being that one that sent me out of town.”

Joe’s loyalty to Browns has stayed strong over the years to the point where he enters the Hall of Fame with no playoff matches. Though Manning’s suggestion was just a funny jibe, it still shows his appreciation for Joe’s talent. Joe could have been a Super Bowl winner in 2015, but he still has no regrets over missing out on the opportunity.

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