As the Miami Dolphins embark on a new era at the linebacker position, perhaps it’s time we took a look back at one of the most dominant middle linebackers ever to strap on a helmet: one Zachary Michael Thomas. Born September 1st, 1973, in Pampa, Texas, near Amarillo, it would soon become clear that he was born to play the game. In Thomas’ freshman year of high school, his football team went 16-0 and won the state championship.
His success continued in college, at Texas Tech. A three year starter for the Red Raiders, Thomas was a first team All-American in both 1994 and ‘95.