In this episode of The Rising Tide, Jake interviews Joe Thomas, retired offensive left tackle for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL).

Jake and Joe played college football together at the University of Wisconsin.

Joe earned All-American honors and was recognized as a top college lineman. He was drafted no. 3 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2007. Joe made the Pro Bowl in his first 10 seasons and holds the longest record for consecutive snaps at 10,363, having never missed a single play throughout his 11-season career. He’s considered one of the best offensive linemen of all time.

Off the field, Joe has been recognized for supporting children, education, and military veterans initiatives. He’s a partner in serval Mission BBQ franchises.

On the podcast, Joe and Jake reminisce about life experiences, their experience together in college football, and how Joe has made an impact during and after his football career.

Time Stamps:

0:00 Introduction

1:54 “My favorite part is how you carried my water”

2:24 The scholarship offer the coach wanted back.

3:36 Joe talks about his trip to the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu in South America

5:57 Flashback to college football at Wisconson

7:09 What was it like playing in the NFL?

12:36 How did a player of your caliber affect the locker room?

16:36 Joe talks about using his platform as a professional athlete for good

19:07 Joe travels to Afghanistan in 2009.

23:35 History of the Team Rubicon Grey Shirt

27:30 Story of Mission BBQ

29:09 Finding purpose in life after a successful career

31:41 Joe talks about his shared core mission to serve others

32:50 Finding impact through investments in retirement, Why Joe doesn’t want to become a coach.

35:00 Shoutout to Coach Brian Bott

36:19 Joe moves out to the farm

38:18 Joe talks about his family and letting his son play football

40:12 What was it like getting inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame? 

42:59 Are you using 300-pound Joe or 250-pound Joe for your statue?

43:46 Closing thoughts

Joe Thomas

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joethomas73 

🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/joethomas73

Jake Wood

📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jakewoodtr

💼 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakewoodusa/

🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeWoodTR 

Groundswell

📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/groundswell.io/⁠

💼 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/givegroundswell/⁠
🐦 Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/GiveGroundswell