Doubts were cast on former middle linebacker Zach Thomas from the moment he joined the Miami Dolphins.
Thomas, according to experts, was too small. He wasn’t fast or athletic enough. He didn’t have a high draft status, was questionable to make the 53-man roster as a fifth-round pick (No. 154 overall) and was the second linebacker taken by the Dolphins behind fourth-rounder LaCurtis Jones in 1996.
But there was something special about Thomas that was apparent right away in South Florida. Scouts and football pundits could not account for his immense heart, football intelligence, leadership, preparation and passion for the game.