Back in 2007, the Cleveland Browns selected what would become one of the best offensive linemen that the NFL has ever had.

While he was out fishing with his dad, the Browns used the No. 3 overall pick in the first round, to take Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas.

Flash forward 16 years and that former No. 3 overall pick is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Thomas was officially enshrined into the hall this afternoon during the ceremony in Canton.

“It’s just an incredible feeling and I’m not sure that it’ll ever feel like we belong in this incredible club,” Thomas explained.

Thomas had his family present his enshrinement into the Hall of Fame. His wife Annie, and four children, Logan, Camryn, Jack, and Reese, joined Thomas to make it official.

Thomas was an Ironman of sorts at his position, he was resilient. The all-time great left tackle started each of the 167 games he played in and played 10,363 consecutive snaps. Also, Thomas was impressively named to 10 straight Pro Bowl games to begin his career.

“They could count on me,” Thomas said. “Being an offensive lineman is all about being a servant and showing up for everyone else.”

When it comes to All-Pro selections, Thomas landed on the first-team six times and second-team two times.

Of course, Thomas endured a ton of losses in his career, unfortunately. Just about none of that had to do with him, as the now Pro Football Hall of Fame member allowed just 30 sacks in 6,680 pass-blocking attempts. Additionally, Thomas was known for rarely being called on a holding penalty. He was called for just 57 penalties in his 11-year career.

Over the length of his career, Thomas blocked the blindside for 20 quarterbacks that the Browns had enter the carousel.

“Yes, I blocked for more different starting quarterbacks than any player in the NFL history. What an honor,” Thomas said jokingly.

There was a lot going wrong with the Browns for the majority of Thomas’ career. But there was one sure thing that was going to happen, Thomas was going to keep the left side clean.

Thomas believes the Browns are going to be good in the near future and he’s going to have a front-row seat for it.

“The success is right around the corner and I can’t wait to be the biggest fan when it comes.”

Joe Thomas’ son has a message for Steelers’ fans

Joe Thomas’ son has a message for Pittsburgh Steelers’ fans.

Feature image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.