After a successful year with the Munich Ravens, Joe Thomas is saying Goodbye. The offensive line coach played his part in helping the Ravens qualify for the ELF playoffs for the first time in franchise history. 

"I've had the best nine months here," he told Munich Ravens Media. "What do I love most about Bavaria? The beer, of course," he continued. Thomas was born in the USA, but grew up in Germany. Returning to Germany for the job with the Ravens brings back childhood memories, he said. "The mountains are also incredible - we don't have anything like that back home in Wisconsin," he said. "And then there's the traditional clothing - I love my Lederhosen. I wear them all the time, for every event. Whether casual or formal, they are my constant companion," he added.

Thomas will return to the USA. He will get into NFL broadcasting, doing radio and TV work for the Cleveland Browns and will commentate some international games for NFL Network, he revealed. "It's bittersweet because I've enjoyed my time here so much, but I'm looking forward to getting back to the States and seeing my kids in action. My son plays flag football, and although I'll miss most of his season, I'm looking forward to watching a few games. My daughters play volleyball and my wife is a coach, so I'm looking forward to being there for that as well," he said.

Ravens lose a NFL Hall of Famer

However, he doesn't want to rule out a return to Germany: "I haven't thought much beyond this autumn, but coming back to Munich is something I'd like to do. Whether it's as a coach, to watch a game or just to reconnect with the friends I've made here - it's definitely on my list," he told Munich Ravens Media. 

Thomas can look back on a lot of football experience. He played offensive tackle in college at Wisconsin and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns as a first-round pick into the NFL in 2007. He played eleven years for the Browns. Furthermore, he was selected to the Pro Bowl ten times and to the All-Pro team six times, and elected to the league's Hall of Fame in 2023.

Thomas' NFL record

Thomas was the only player in NFL history to play in more than 10,000 straight plays without an interruption or injury. He holds the NFL record of 10,363 snaps.

In 2024, the Munich Ravens introduced him as offensive line coach and brand ambassador. It was his first coaching position.

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