The Cleveland Browns have not had much success over the past two decades.
But, that was mostly due to a lack of stable quarterback play.
The Browns have had many good players in place and ended up wasting their careers without any playoff appearances.
One player that fits that mold is former offensive tackle Joe Thomas.
He spent 11 seasons in Cleveland, where he played 10,363 consecutive snaps, and made six All-Pro teams.
But, Thomas recently stated how he had a chance to leave Cleveland at the end of his career to join the Denver Broncos.
Joe Thomas said Peyton Manning had an elaborate plan to get him to Denver and he said no.
Said he had an opportunity to "poop on the desk of the Browns GM" but wanted to be in Cleveland.#Browns
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) January 26, 2023
It would make sense that Peyton Manning would look to recruit an elite offensive tackle to come to play with him.
But, it is strange that Thomas did not take him up on the offer.
He had a career record of 48-128 while in Cleveland, and at some point, all of that losing had to weigh on him.
Going to Denver would have been a place where he would have won and been a part of an elite offense led by Manning.
To pass up on an opportunity like that is why Thomas is still loved in Cleveland.
He was the one constant on their roster over all those losing seasons.
Thomas will be first eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023, and he should be elected on the first ballot.
Despite never winning, Thomas was the only offensive lineman in NFL history to be selected to 10 consecutive Pro Bowls.
He is one of the best players in Browns history and should be honored as such in Canton, Ohio.
NEXT: PFF Names 1 Browns Player As Best Free Agent Signing Of 2022
