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10 Best NFL Careers in Wisconsin football history

Wisconsin has had its fair share of great players move onto the NFL and have even better careers.

By Ericka Brockish

Jan 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt (99) walks on the field.
Jan 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt (99) walks on the field. / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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Wisconsin careers. . Round 1, Pick 3. Joe Thomas. 2. player. . 2007 NFL Draft. Joe Thomas. 53

Joe Thomas was drafted early in the 2007 NF Draft and was the only Wisconsin player to be taken that draft. Thomas played 11 years in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, the team that drafted him. Thomas was a full-time starter his entire career and played every game until his finals season when he dealt with an injury.

As the starting left tackle, Thomas in his rookie season was voted to the Pro Bowl and came in second on Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. After his first season, Thomas was a Pro-Bowler every year in his career until his final season. He was also All-Pro Second Team in 2008 and 2012 and All-Pro First Team from 2009 to 2011 and 2013 to 2016.

Thomas decided to retire after the 2017 season due to the injury he sustained in his final season. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023, the fifth Wisconsin Badger to ever be inducted.

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