Earl Thomas is best described in the voice of a Lord of the Rings character who is warning his friends about one of the lurking evils that threatens their path. Thomas exists and thrives in anonymity. His presence is regularly discussed, and though rarely ever seen, it is always felt. Those who have encountered him or aligned alongside him are quick to laud what he brings to the field.
Most of the work Thomas does goes unseen because he lines up off the screen on regular broadcasts. When he executes his job as designed, the ball is unlikely to be thrown in his direction.