Featured Stories | Miami Dolphins

By Stephen Diener |

Former Dolphin Zach Thomas is a Finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas just got one step closer to making it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

He was named a finalist on Thursday for the Class of 2020.

“I’m humbled and honored to be named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, alongside 14 great players I truly admire,” Thomas said. “I definitely did not get this far alone. I’m being considered because I had great coaches, teammates and incredible fans, who helped and supported me. I can’t thank them all enough for their outpouring of love.”

Thomas, who played for the Dolphins from 1996 to 2007, was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection. He was named All-Pro five times and was a member of the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team.

The former Dolphins is among five honorees who will be chosen by voters on February 1, just one day before the Super Bowl takes place in Miami Gardens. The members of this year’s class will be introduced at 9 p.m. on February 1, during the NFL Honors in Miami.

Thus far, the list of finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame includes: receivers Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne; safeties LeRoy Butler, Troy Polamalu, John Lynch and Steve Atwater; running back Edgerrin James; defensive tackle Bryant Young; and defensive end/tackle Richard Seymour.

According to Thomas, “The voters have a great challenge on their hands to select this year’s class from such an accomplished group, and I appreciate they’ve decided I should be part of the conversation.”