Zach Thomas signs with Miami Dolphins, retires - ESPN

Zach Thomas signs with Miami Dolphins, retires - ESPN: "Thomas retires as a DolphinEmail Print Comments48 Associated Press

MIAMI -- Zach Thomas got the idea Wednesday, thinking maybe he could sign a one-day contract with the Miami Dolphins and retire as part of the franchise.

Thomas
His agent asked the Dolphins. Thomas got his answer within minutes.
So on Thursday, Thomas signed a one-day contract, officially worth $1 -- but in actuality, worth so much more to Thomas, who long lamented not getting the chance to say a proper farewell when the Dolphins released him two years ago.
With that, he finally said good-bye.
'I'm a little bit nervous right now,' Thomas said at the team's training facility in Davie, Fla. 'More nervous than any game I ever played.'
Only a fifth-round draft pick out of Texas Tech in 1996, Thomas became a star during 12 seasons with the Dolphins. He was one of the faces of the franchise along with the likes of Dan Marino and Jason Taylor, who became Thomas' brother-in-law.
Thomas had 1,038 tackles, 19½ sacks and 17 interceptions in 168 games for the Dolphins, and he was chosen for seven Pro Bowls.
'As the team's owner, I want to welcome him back to the Dolphins and I certainly hope he continues to make his presence felt,' Stephen Ross said. 'He's a great role model for our players and we're proud of everything he has done throughout his career to represent this franchise. He gave his heart and soul to this team, and we all were better for it.'"