Hall of Fame offensive lineman Joe Thomas is gearing up for a new chapter in his football career.
He’s regarded as one of the best offensive lineman in NFL history. Some even say THE best.
Now, all of those years of experience and expertise are taking him across the pond.
Thomas announced that he will be joining the coaching staff of the Munich Ravens, a team in the European League of Football (ELF), with a mission to enhance their offensive line.
Thomas shared his excitement about this new venture during a press conference in Munich.
He expressed his passion for American football’s growing popularity in Germany and Bavaria specifically, which played a crucial role in his decision.
“My family and I have always dreamed of living abroad, and when I had the opportunity with the NFL Network to go and work the NFL Germany game last fall, I fell in love with the city of Munich and the region of Bavaria so quickly,” Thomas explained.
“I was struck by the passion of the fans for American football all throughout Germany and especially in Bavaria.”
🤩 @NFL legend @joethomas73 joins the Munich Ravens in 2024 🔥🔥. And he'll bring is family as well…😉😉#munichravens #joethomas @Browns @BadgerFootball @nflnetwork @NFLDeutschland pic.twitter.com/GwGo2OMtOv
— Munich Ravens (@MunichRavens) September 19, 2023
Thomas’s new role with the Munich Ravens will encompass several key responsibilities, including helping develop offensive line techniques, recruiting talent to Bavaria, and nurturing the growth and skills of the players on the Munich Ravens roster.
“I’m so excited to be joining the Munich Ravens next season to help their offensive line with technique development, help recruit players to Bavaria, and to help with developing those players on the Munich Ravens to become the best offensive linemen in the European League of Football,” he stated confidently.
There’s no doubt that Joe Thomas’s extensive experience and remarkable career in the NFL make him an ideal mentor for the Munich Ravens and the ELF.
Thomas was drafted third overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns and immediately made his mark as one of the league’s premier offensive linemen, earning numerous accolades and earning a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Some people are against the globalization of football. Some people are for it.
However, one thing is for absolute certain – Any offensive lineman on the Munich Ravens who ends up having the privilege of being coached by Thomas will be all the better for it.
It will be very interesting to see how the league plays out in the future.
What do you think about the globalization of football?
What do you think about the rumors that the NFL will one day have a team, or even an entire division, in Europe?