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Browns’ Thomas nearing 10,000th consecutive snap

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Joe Thomas weaved his way through reporters in the locker room, surveying the group before stepping behind a podium.

“I’m not sure what all the commotion is about,” the 10-time Pro Bowl left tackle said Thursday. “I’m just a guy that shows up and does his job every day, hoping I can set a good example for my teammates.”

Though he insists otherwise, there is nothing ordinary about this Joe.

Thomas hasn’t missed a single play during his career, logging 9,996 consecutive offensive snaps. He should reach an unprecedented 10,000 in a row Sunday when Cleveland plays the Ravens in Baltimore.

According to research by the Browns, Thomas’ ironman streak is the longest in NFL history, though the league did not officially begin recording snap counts until 1999.

“You can’t be voted in the Hall of Fame when you’re still playing, right?” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.

“I think he should consider making a move toward the Hall of Fame and retire because we’re getting tired of playing against him.

“He is a great mover, strong, gifted guy always, but the other thing is you can always tell the leadership he exudes. He never really makes a mistake.”

Thomas, 32, has been the face of the downtrodden franchise since Cleveland made him the No. 3 overall pick in 2007.

Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen is the only player with more Pro Bowl selections to begin a career than Thomas’ 10.

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