Live life by star lineman's example

To the editor:

Congratulations to Joe Thomas on his retirement from the NFL.

Ten straight Pro Bowls and 10,363 consecutive snaps on the offensive line might possibly be the most impressive streak in any professional sport of all time. He deserves a great retirement.

It’s no secret that I am a Cleveland Browns fan. And it’s no secret that my favorite Browns’ player of all time is Joe Thomas. I did name my son J.T. (Joseph Thomas) after all. But why would anyone name their son after a Cleveland Browns player?

As a father, I strive to set great examples for my children. As a teacher, I strive for my students to learn more than math and science. I want each of them to learn to have a great work ethic. I want each of them to learn to be self-motivated. I want each of them to learn to be well organized. I want each of them to learn to be strong leaders. I want each of them to learn to be a good teammate.

Joe Thomas epitomized all of these characteristics. 

Joe Thomas showed up to work every day giving his best effort. He didn’t complain. He did what was asked of him by the team and coaches, and he did it to the best of his ability. Joe Thomas demonstrated what it means to have a great work ethic.

Joe Thomas showed up to work every day wanting to do his best. He didn’t put in the extra work because he was forced to do so. He didn’t give up when things weren’t going well for him or the team. He found the strength to complete every task, no matter how challenging, without the need of encouragement from others. Joe Thomas demonstrated what it means to be self-motivated.

Joe Thomas showed up to work every day well-prepared. He didn’t wait until the last minute to study his playbook. He didn’t rely on others to get him the materials he needed. He was well-prepared everyday because he knew what he needed to have done, and he made sure it was all done in an orderly fashion. Joe Thomas demonstrated what it means to be well-organized.

Joe Thomas showed up to work every day and led his teammates by example. He didn’t only teach by telling. He taught by doing. He was humble, responsible and patient. Others learned from him because they wanted to emulate him. Joe Thomas demonstrated what it means to be a strong leader.

Joe Thomas showed up to work everyday wanting to contribute to his team. He didn’t do the things he did because they were the best for himself. He didn’t put the spotlight on himself to better his own cause. Everything he did was because it helped better the team and the other players around him. Joe Thomas demonstrated what it means to be a good teammate.

So when I suggested to my wife that we should name our son after my favorite player of all time, it wasn’t because I wanted him to be a star football player. It wasn’t because I thought it would be cool to name him after a Browns player. It was because I want him to grow up and say proudly that his namesake was one of the most hard-working, self-motivated, well-organized, strong leaders and great teammates that his dad ever watched. And I want him to also say proudly that his dad demonstrates each of those characteristics in his life as well.

So if there is anything I can teach my son, if there is anything I can teach my daughters, if there is anything I can teach my students, if there is anything I can teach those around me, it is this: In anything you do in life, do it in the manner Joe Thomas did with the Cleveland Browns for 11 years.

Ryan Steinbrunner

Fort Recovery