CLEVELAND -- Ever since his 2017 season came to an end with a torn triceps, Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas hasn't been hard to find. Whether it be providing weather updates on the Browns' pre-game shows or hosting his popular 'ThomaHawk Show' podcast, Thomas hasn't been shy to try his hand in front of the camera, where he's drawn rave reviews for his work as an amateur analyst.
When will the 10-time Pro Bowl selection make his media career official? According to one report, the answer could be soon.
According to the New York Post, Thomas -- as well as former Chicago Bears head coach John Fox -- recently auditioned with the FOX Network for a variety of roles on Fox and Fox Sports 1. Thomas' audition apparently went well, with Andrew Marchand reporting that it was "particularly impressive."
Per Marchand:
The network had current Browns lineman Joe Thomas and former Bears coach John Fox in for auditions, according to sources. Thomas was particularly impressive, according to one source. The two are being considered for a variety of roles on both Fox and Fox Sports 1. Thomas also went through the ESPN “Car Wash” this offseason, which often is used as a tryout of sorts, so don’t rule out Bristol. Thomas has not decided yet if he will play next season.
News of Thomas' audition is particularly interesting given that the Wisconsin native has yet to inform the Browns of his plans for 2018. With one year remaining on his contract, Thomas has publicly weighed a potential retirement, although NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported last week that the 33-year-old is "is preparing to play, and those who know him well believe he’ll be back."
At the NFL Scouting Combine last week, Cleveland head coach Hue Jackson said that he expects to find out Thomas' plan for the future "fairly soon." But regardless of whatever it is the 11-year pro ultimately opts to do, it's becoming abundantly clear that he has plenty of options available to him in 2018.
