Through some great contacts and outrageous luck, I have been able to set up an interview with Joe Thomas.
So I am asking Dawgsbynature.com, what questions do you have for the greatest Left Tackle in the NFL? I obviously won't be able to ask them all, but I will pick a few of the best.
I have about 48 hours before I need them, so give me your best questions.
1 recs | 179 comments
Will you marry us?
gahnki - July 13, 2010
We don’t want B19K getting hammered in there. lol
Brownie's Year - July 13, 2010
How do you like your pancakes?
Chief WaDrew - July 13, 2010
Rec
Spidey - July 13, 2010 via mobile
Will we have another ESPN televised “Decision” in the next couple of years?
I.E. Does Joe still see himself as a Cleveland Brown in the future?
Groza - July 13, 2010
When you went fishing on the day of the 2007 NFL Entry Draft what did you catch?
BrownsFanRegina - July 13, 2010
That was my first thought. LOL
However if we loose Joe, it will make a difference to me, unlike LaBoob.
Groza - July 13, 2010
I actually remember it being some sort brown bass or something.
BrownDawg1409 - July 14, 2010
Do you plan to staying loyal to the city of Cleveland and retiring as a Cleveland Brown?
theW0LF - July 13, 2010
Is this really necessary? Who knows where he and the organization will be when he is a free agent? Are we going to ask the Browns organization if they are going to stay loyal to him if — Joe Thomas forbid — he blows out his knee and his career ends tomorrow?
TheDriveStillHurts - July 13, 2010
Why say something like that?
BrownsFanRegina - July 13, 2010
I said, “Joe Thomas forbid” — also, I am not superstitious about that; something bad is not going to happen because the possibility gets mentioned somewhere on the internets.
TheDriveStillHurts - July 13, 2010
I think it’s fair to ask something similar, like all things being fair would you like to see yourself retire as a Cleveland Brown?
Roger Dorn - July 13, 2010
Absolutely.
But look at the tone of the question: “do you plan to stay loyal to the City of Cleveland”? Come on. He has more of an obligation to his family and to himself than to the City, and I can think of many reasons why under certain circumstances I would not blame him for leaving. In most of those case, it would be the organization’s fault and we should then be asking the organization why it was not “loyal” to the fans.
TheDriveStillHurts - July 13, 2010
nice points. agree.
Dawg Nuts - July 14, 2010
Apparently you do not have a sense of humor.
theW0LF - July 14, 2010
I don’t think you were joking.
TheDriveStillHurts - July 14, 2010
Kobe or Lebron?
TheDriveStillHurts - July 13, 2010
Is Colt McCoy’s accent hard to understand in the huddle, and does he yodel?
OSUMoneyball - July 13, 2010
Follow-up: How often does he grab his giant belt buckle and yell “Yee-haw”?
Adrock2099 - July 13, 2010
i like this line of questioning.
notthatnoise - July 13, 2010
That’s funny.
emily522 - July 13, 2010
Really? A Texan accent not being understood? have you ever heard a Texan speak? I grew up in the extreme South of NM (less than 80 miles from Texas), and everyone there has an accent, but they do not yodel. I now live in North texas and the accent is slowly coming back, but still no yodelling going on. I can talk and understand anyone from any region of the USA.
Ask him if he used to go Cow tippin with the Windthorst Texas boys.
J. W. - July 14, 2010
Relax, I was just playing off of Jon Gruden in his “QB Camp” thing, he had on ESPN.
OSUMoneyball - July 14, 2010
You have an obsessive, no, make that downright cultish following on Dawgs By Nature. How do you feel about being routinely mentioned as the greatest player on your team?
RelapsingDawgCatcher - July 13, 2010
Genuinely, I’d like this asked. He must know we idolize him.
SpecialBrownie - July 13, 2010
This is what I was going to say. Good job.
Brownie's Year - July 13, 2010
This.
emily522 - July 13, 2010
Rec
J. W. - July 14, 2010
I’d ask if he is aware of it, as well.
TheDriveStillHurts - July 13, 2010
Fixed
Simmsinns - July 13, 2010
Villeslgr - July 14, 2010
Rec
J. W. - July 14, 2010
Dawg Nuts - July 14, 2010
This leaves open the possibility that there are greater, non-living things here on Earth and also that there are things outside of Earth somewhere in the universe better than Joe Thomas. In other words, I’m surprised no one is yet to correct you in block quote form.
Western Reserve - July 15, 2010
i was wrong. i apologize.
Dawg Nuts - July 15, 2010
here comes the pain train……
North Coast Flea - July 15, 2010
i think the problem that we all have is that our feeble words can’t do justice to the legend of joe thomas.
Dawg Nuts - July 15, 2010
Nicely riffed, all. This thread demonstrates the Joe Thomas cult here better than any summary you could write up….
RelapsingDawgCatcher - July 17, 2010
i love this one. this should be asked.
Dawg Nuts - July 14, 2010
Without getting into specifically phrased questions, I would like to glean the following from the interview:
1. What he considers his strengths are as a lineman, and where he believes he can still improve
2. His outlook for the offense compared to last year and more specifically how he expects the offensive line to play, ie can they continue the kind of dominance they experienced down the stretch
3. He has been through a number of rapid organizational changes already, how does he view the current se-up and if the attitude and atmosphere in Berea have gone through a noticeable change, either positive or negative.
If I can think of more I will definitely post.
Roger Dorn - July 13, 2010
I am also curious about personal stuff like who his better friends are on the team, etc.
Roger Dorn - July 13, 2010
Yeah, that would be interesting. Also, how often do players on the team hang out outside of the team facilities? What do they do when they have free time during training camp? Who are the funniest guys on the team?
Buckeye Brad - July 13, 2010
This too.
emily522 - July 13, 2010
I remember reading somewhere that he was best-friends-forever with Hank Fraley. Or if not best-friends-forever, at the very least, hunting and drinking buddies.
golanbatrac - July 16, 2010
harder to give up internet than you thought?
notthatnoise - July 17, 2010
Nope. Trying moderation first. Computer is out of my studio (which was the problem), and I only log on once per day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
So far, so good.
golanbatrac - July 18, 2010
that is probably a better approach than just fully giving it up.
notthatnoise - July 19, 2010
Good questions.
Groza - July 13, 2010
Great questions. Hopefully, you can get some specifics out of him:
What are the key differences between today and the end of last season in terms of preparation, offensive philosophy, and roles?
How does it feel to have a veteran QB? What has he noticed about how Jake as an offensive leader? Does Jake play the “when I was playing in the Super Bowl…” card to sound important in conversations?
How does he prep for specific players he will face each week? Besides filmwork, how does he psyche himself up?
Is the Pro Bowl and it’s festivities boring now for him? What’s the best part?
Spidey - July 13, 2010 via mobile
How did you get so AWESOME???
Buckeye Brad - July 13, 2010
Out of all the other linemen in the NFL (not on the Browns), who does he most admire/would he like to work with? Something along those lines.
How much can he bench press? Because I can throw up like 150 POUNDS, so you know I’m pretty awesome.
BiggieBrown - July 13, 2010
Biggie, you gotta stop eating so much. That’s not healthy, dude.
dawgtribe - July 14, 2010
Ha
North Coast Flea - July 14, 2010
Oh… wow.
SpecialBrownie - July 14, 2010
did it hurt?
notthatnoise - July 13, 2010
When you fell from heaven?
Simmsinns - July 13, 2010
No, when he pancaked God.
SpecialBrownie - July 13, 2010
thank you, i was hoping someone would get it.
notthatnoise - July 14, 2010
beautiful.
Dawg Nuts - July 14, 2010
First, congrats to DBN and B19K, this is awesome.
My questions:
We hear a lot about the importance of continuity of an offensive line unit, how important is it? Do you notice a difference if you have a different LG or C than you are used to?
Any thoughts on the Big Ten adding Nebraska or expansion generally?
What is one major thing holding the Browns back from being a playoff team this year?
Toughest individual match up for you in the AFC North? The NFL? Your football career?
Favorite sports team (besides Wisconsin and the Browns)?
Ryan Kelsey - July 13, 2010
Was thinking this same thing. All good questions though.
Western Reserve - July 13, 2010
1) There’s talk of converting the last two exhibition games to regular season games. What do you think about it?
2) Does including the wildcat make your job easier or harder? What kind of challenges does it give you?
3) Most OL labor in obscurity. You are regarded not only as one of the team’s best players, but a fan favorite and, for lack of a better phrase, “our kind of guy.” How do you think that happened and what do you think about it.
JamesPowell - July 13, 2010
1. He loves Pancakes.
2. He loves Pancakes.
3. Browns fans are real fans, and we watch EVERYTHING.
J. W. - July 14, 2010
Pull a Max Strauss and ask him what his favorite color is. jk
How about, if he thinks their winning streak last year has stuck with the guys and if it’s motivating them to continue the streak into this upcoming season.
Or something along those lines.
Brownie's Year - July 13, 2010
HOW DID YOU DO THIS?!
emily522 - July 13, 2010
What is your position on the role of government in supporting innovation in the field of biotechnology?
OSUMoneyball - July 13, 2010
“Recent research has shown the empirical evidence for globalization of corporate innovation is very limited. And as a corollary, the market for technologies is shrinking.
As a world leader, it is important for America to provide systematic research grants for our scientists. I believe there will always be a need for us to have a well-articulated innovation policy with emphasis on human resource development. Thank you."
BrownsFanRegina - July 14, 2010
Joe Thomas for president!
notthatnoise - July 14, 2010
i am curious as to how he likes mangini’s “strict” coaching style as opposed to the more relaxed style of coach romeo.
also was it as good for him as it was for us when they finally beat pukesburg
lizardking86 - July 13, 2010
1) Would you like to see a play where you are designated as eligible so you score a TD? [For the DBN community, we can debate whether such a TD would be worth more than a standard TD because it was scored by Joe Thomas.]
2) Not including yourself, who in your opinion is the best LT in the league? in history?
TheDriveStillHurts - July 13, 2010
1) of course it would be worth more
2) I would like to leave him the option of saying himself, just to see if he’s ballsy enough to do it.
notthatnoise - July 14, 2010
I like this question. Remember many years ago, the Jets used Jumbo to score that way, and he did it with style. I would love to see Joe get a slick handoff and bowl his way over the Steelers interior for a TD. That would be better than having the Squealers QB sacked 8 times on my birthday.
J. W. - July 14, 2010
Who’s the better fisherman, you or D’arcy Egan?
gahnki - July 13, 2010
Who is the better writer? Grossi or Egan?
Or a more polite way of asking: Who does he read first?
Spidey - July 13, 2010 via mobile
Neither can write better than my 7 year old.
J. W. - July 14, 2010
How do you feel about Josh Cribbs moving to right tackle?
RebuildingDecade - July 13, 2010
Which artists have the privilege of letting Joe Thomas here their music?
TheRealSlimShady - July 13, 2010
Call me blasphemous, but I’m preety sure that both Joe Thomas, and Josh Cribbs are both equally talented. Don’t get me wrong, I love Joe Thomas, but I think that He, and Josh Cribbs should both recieve over 9,000 points for a touchdown. ;) see if he agrees with this.
brownsboy14 - July 13, 2010 via mobile
I am calling you blasphemous.
notthatnoise - July 14, 2010
look out dude, the pain train’s coming; and its loaded with pancakes.
Dawg Nuts - July 14, 2010
this made me laugh.
I think i’m stealing this line to use when watching the Browns from now on.
thank you
doggrad87 - July 15, 2010
Excellent snag on the interview, wish I could pull something like that off for BTSC. Should be a good read, he seems like a real down to earth guy, and he is certainly a great player, best tackle in football.
I’d like to know who he considers his toughest matchup within the division, he sees some good pass rushers, and not much gets by him.
NYSteelersFan4 - July 13, 2010
Describe his first meetings with Holmgren. How has the team changed since Holmgren took charge and Heckert came on board?
Spidey - July 13, 2010 via mobile
Will you ever Twit?
Villeslgr - July 14, 2010
Tweet*.
Twit is past tense and Twat is the past tense of the past tense, like had.
SpecialBrownie - July 14, 2010
Twat also has another, more hilarious meaning.
Adrock2099 - July 14, 2010
so does twit, but not as much as twat.
bross09 - July 14, 2010
I know what it is, but I prefer calling it “twit” because that’s how most people come across when they post stuff on there.
Villeslgr - July 14, 2010
Hardesty or Harrison?
Maybe a quick question on how the backs differ and if he thinks the Browns can carry over the success they had in the last few games running the football.
Haden Dawg - July 14, 2010
Do Joe Thomas and Chuck Norris come from the same planet? Or are they from Earth, but products of the same top-secret military science experiment?
GoBrowns - July 14, 2010
Now that is a question I would ask. I think both are old school tough. Thats why we like (well , man love i a platonic way) both. LOL
J. W. - July 14, 2010
Were you ever NOT the top option at your position when playing football?
How was it playing for Barry Alvarez at UW? How did his and his staff’s coaching affect your view and approach to the game of Football?
How was the transfer from Alvarez to Bielema?
I am of the opinion that playing offensive line in the Big 10 is a huge honor. In order to be an O-lineman in the Big 10 you have to be among the best. How much fun was it to play tackle in the Big 10? And who were the hardest people to block in your college days?
(can you tell im a Wisconsin and a Big 10 fan)
Lisol - July 14, 2010
We forgive you. Wisconsin cant be all bad, they gave us Joe Thomas and Cheese…..
J. W. - July 14, 2010
My dad did gymnastics and played football for University of Wisconsin, and I went to Kent State. I got kind of sick of all the bandwagon OSU fans everywhere I went. Now, I always root for Big 10 teams against anyone (except for MAC teams, and I’ll never actively root for Michigan) and I always root for OSU against anyone in the Big 10 (except for Wisconsin) by virtue of being from Ohio.
All that being said, I about jizzed my pants when the Browns picked Thomas. I watched him all his years at Wisconsin and was hoping beyond hope that the Brownies would pick him up. Joe was amazing at Wisconsin, and he has lived up to everything he showed us while he was there.
Lisol - July 14, 2010
he said Jizzed in my pants
doggrad87 - July 15, 2010
What would be his ideal O-Line?
If he could put together the perfect OL, who would be on it?
If he could play in any era, which one would it be?
What HOF QBs and RBs would he love to block for?
If he could play any other position, which would it be?
dawgtribe - July 14, 2010
How do the OL get along outside of work? How much time do you guys spend together in the off season.
J. W. - July 14, 2010
You should really ask him to join DBN.
North Coast Flea - July 14, 2010
Oh Gawd, this!
BrownDawg1409 - July 14, 2010
Some sites have been fortunate enough to have a player on their roster do something like write a small weekly column (imagine what Abe Elam does on his personal blog, but instead if he did it on DBN).
Chris Pokorny - July 14, 2010
Who’s the toughes person to block in practice other than Shaun Rodgers? Who do you feel is the team’s best pass rusher? (Who better to ask than the guy who’s gotta block them?) And is it true that if I kill you, I become you?
BrownDawg1409 - July 14, 2010
You can’t kill a deity.
North Coast Flea - July 14, 2010
Big man, big shoulders. What´s your prediction for wins this season Mr. Thomas?
mooncamping - July 14, 2010
Ah, c’mon Moon. I expected something much more interesting from you…
I’m a little disappointed.
Simmsinns - July 14, 2010
I’m surprised it wasn’t a question about Steinbach’s ass.
North Coast Flea - July 14, 2010
When mooncamping is made head coach, how will you adapt to your move to fullback?
Lisol - July 14, 2010
I’m moving to fullback? (j/k)
North Coast Flea - July 14, 2010
Since dawgsbynature thinks so highly of you and you´ll probably be playing quarterback, and you know you have to put one hand under a man´s testacles…
mooncamping - July 15, 2010
More ideas that come to mind…
Can he describe last season? The season had a lot of turmoil and a large number of people were calling for the coach’s head. The GM was fired. QBs were shuffled. Losses kept mounting. In the middle of it, the owner hired a new president with a big name. What was going on in the locker room?
Then things started to click. (for me, it was the 2nd half of the San Diego game). Did he notice a change? When did that happen?
Finally, what is it like to be stared down by Lerner has you are walking off the field after a loss???
Spidey - July 14, 2010 via mobile
Where can I buy JT juice, because clearly Mack is buying a crapload.
SpecialBrownie - July 14, 2010
Joe should make both OL & DL drink that juice..
J. W. - July 17, 2010
Figured I would stay away from the team loyalty.
What’s your favorite athlete of all time?
Who is the most influential person in your life?
Where do you plan on retiring?
jerseywahoo - July 14, 2010
Is Wisconsin cheese really that good?
Adrock2099 - July 14, 2010
do you feel that police officers illegally target teenagers and profile them as underage drinkers?
Dawg Nuts - July 14, 2010
We should have him settle all of our past neurotic arguments.
“Mr. Thomas, do you feel that Hitler, as reported on DBN, did some ‘good things’ "
“Mr. Thomas, is there a difference between drunk, emotional posting and premeditated jackassery?”
“Mr. Thomas, what did the Founders really mean when they wrote the second amendment?”
“Mr. Thomas, is Eric Steinbach’s ass really suited for nose tackle?”
“Mr. Thomas, what do you believe America’s energy-focus should be in the next ten years?”
gahnki - July 14, 2010
Hey, that second question is about me. I’m famous.
Brownie's Year - July 14, 2010
Now that I have accomplished so much, I guess I’ll change my name and start over. Begin slow and subtle and then build up to celebrity status, again.
Brownie's Year - July 14, 2010
It was about Rufio.
Wow.
SpecialBrownie - July 14, 2010
You’re just jealous.
Brownie's Year - July 14, 2010
It was, indeed, about Rufio and SpecialBrownie.
gahnki - July 14, 2010
You guys couldn’t tell I was being sarcastic? That’s funny.
Brownie's Year - July 15, 2010
which comment was supposed to be sarcastic?
notthatnoise - July 15, 2010
All three. Don’t drink, don’t get emotional, and definitely don’t premeditate.
Brownie's Year - July 15, 2010
so you really didn’t think the second one was about you? what’s the point of your comments then?
notthatnoise - July 16, 2010
I made it sound like the comment was about me and me only. Just playing around.
Brownie's Year - July 16, 2010
you sound like a really interesting person.
Ryan Kelsey - July 17, 2010
Wait, do I perform premeditated jackassery?
SpecialBrownie - July 15, 2010
Hey man. The little shot I took at you, that got deleted and not sure if you replied, was a complete joke. I know non of what I said about you is true.
Brownie's Year - July 15, 2010
In the Bron thread?
I can’t remember what you said, refresh me.
SpecialBrownie - July 16, 2010
It was a comment he made above which was deleted.
In any case, if he’s apologizing then why ask him to repeat it? Why bring it up again?
Buckeye Brad - July 16, 2010
Because I’m intrigued.
I don’t care what it said to me emotionally, I just want to see it.
SpecialBrownie - July 17, 2010
Don’t worry dude. It wasn’t that bad anyways. I thought that it was deleted because you got pissed or something. You might have laughed if you saw it.
Brownie's Year - July 16, 2010
I expect jackassery from you all the time, so no you do not have premeditated jackassery.
J. W. - July 17, 2010
Hilarious. Rec.
Western Reserve - July 15, 2010
This made me laugh. Well done DN.
golanbatrac - July 16, 2010
seriously, B19K, this was an awesome grab. kudos to you, and i’m sure we’re all in for a treat.
Dawg Nuts - July 14, 2010
who are the 3 toughest players to block in the nfl?
rockybrown - July 14, 2010
Ask him what he thought of various movies like “The Blind Side”, James Cameron’s “Avatar”, and Toy Story 3.
BrownDawg1409 - July 15, 2010
Is he disappointed that Bob Evans or IHOP haven’t gotten on board with King Pancake? There should be a mammoth stack in his honor.
dawgtribe - July 15, 2010
I vote we change the name of Cleveland Browns’ Stadium to Joe Thomas’ House of Pancakes.
North Coast Flea - July 15, 2010
BrownDawg1409 - July 15, 2010
they should at least have a concession stand that sells pancakes during games. if they won’t change the name of the stadium, they could call that Joe Thomas’ House of Pancakes.
Dawg Nuts - July 15, 2010
Why don’t we just have fans start bringing pancakes to the game. Every time Joe pancakes the hell out of someone, the cakes get trhon as a present to him………..
J. W. - July 17, 2010
i like it.
Dawg Nuts - July 18, 2010
I look forward to Dawg Pound Mike’s Aunt Jemima costume.
golanbatrac - July 18, 2010
Thanks for that image, golan. I will never look at DPM the same way again.
RelapsingDawgCatcher - July 19, 2010
This is an amazing idea.
“Uncle Joe’s Pancakes.”
SpecialBrownie - July 19, 2010
Do you HATE the Steelers?
kwoog - July 15, 2010
Havn’t seen you around for a while. How was Buffalo?
BrownDawg1409 - July 15, 2010
Do you keep in touch with Brady Quinn. If so, why?
JulioBernazard - July 15, 2010
i like it. but if you really want the answer, just ask TRSS. he stalks brady quinn and knows everyone he has contact with on a daily basis.
Dawg Nuts - July 15, 2010
Is Braylon Edwards an even bigger dick-head than he seems to be to us?
Nuclear Power - July 15, 2010
oops, I meant to type douche bag…or ass wipe…or
Nuclear Power - July 15, 2010
maybe make it multiple choice; “Lord, having played with Braylon Edwards, would you call him: a) a dickhead, b) a douche bag, c) an ass wipe, or d) some other, incredibly awesome derogatory name that you invented for him?”
Dawg Nuts - July 15, 2010
I move that any time one of us wants to call someone a douche bag, we should call them a Braylon instead.
North Coast Flea - July 16, 2010
second
Chief WaDrew - July 18, 2010
As in: Personally I’m glad they Couched that Braylon.
(Note: there was no specific target for this statement. It is intended for illustrative purposes only.)
JustBob - July 18, 2010
It’s 6:01pm EST and Braylon Edwards is still a dick-head.
North Coast Flea - July 15, 2010
It’s 11:22 pm EST and that’s still funny.
BrownDawg1409 - July 15, 2010
It’s 9:53 am CET and I can’t stop laughing.
dawgtribe - July 16, 2010
it’s 2455394 MJD and this is still one of the best DBN memes.
notthatnoise - July 16, 2010
I’m fairly hog certain I agree with this.
SpecialBrownie - July 16, 2010
well played SB. we need to get this one circulating again.
Dawg Nuts - July 16, 2010
no we don’t! Go root for buffalo!
notthatnoise - July 16, 2010
buuuuuuuh!
golanbatrac - July 16, 2010
i wonder what kotknus(sp) would have to say about all of this?
Dawg Nuts - July 17, 2010
Hoheini be damned?
North Coast Flea - July 17, 2010
This.
SpecialBrownie - July 17, 2010
I actually havn’t heard this one before. Care to fill me in?
BrownDawg1409 - July 20, 2010
holmgren/heckert/mangini
notthatnoise - July 20, 2010
how did i ever forget about this?
notthatnoise - July 17, 2010
+1
emily522 - July 16, 2010
So the interview already happened, right? I hope it’s up soon.
Brownie's Year - July 16, 2010
If it’s not too late, I’d like to know what he thought about DA ‘scrambling’ into a blocked defender and hanging the ultra-rare ‘sack allowed’ on Joe’s stat line last season.
golanbatrac - July 16, 2010
Do you know the difference between 48 hours and three days?
Brownie's Year - July 17, 2010
Actually it hasn’t happened yet. I am waiting to hear back from him at this point.
As soon as it does happen, I will post it asap.
Bernie19Kosar - July 17, 2010
That’s not a good sign, bro.
Brownie's Year - July 17, 2010
JT has no time for mere mortals.
He’s trying to run the universe here, bub.
SpecialBrownie - July 17, 2010
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