Joe Thomas
is more sensitive to “War Room” references today than he was three
years ago when the Cleveland Browns selected the former University
of Wisconsin offensive tackle in the first round of the NFL
draft.
Although it has become second nature to refer to any NFL “command center” as a war room — where strategic decisions are made about the draft — it has taken on a more literal translation for Thomas, who was part of a USO tour to Afghanistan in March.
“Not that I’m a thrill-seeker or anything like that,” said Thomas, “but I was fairly confident that the USO wasn’t going to put us in harm’s way. I knew we were going into some dangerous areas but I knew we were going to be protected.”
Thomas was issued a helmet and bullet-proof vest, along with his NFL traveling companions: Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams and San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis.
Despite taking the precautions, Thomas was aware of the “life and death” ground rules that applied to the daily routine in Afghanistan.
“That was the reality that kind of slapped you in the face,” he said.
And not everything was what it seemed, either.
When the players landed at Bagram Air Base, just north of Kabul in the western end of the Himalayas, they were all struck by the natural beauty.
“That was my first reaction,” Thomas said.
“You’re surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the reoccurring theme was, ‘This could be a ski resort if the hillsides weren’t so full of insurgent fighters.’ ”
Thomas has always been adept at putting “football” things in context, whether it was overcoming a knee injury at the end of his junior season at UW, winning the Outland Trophy as a senior, or being taken third overall in the 2007 NFL draft.
“But this is a war,” he said, “and it gives you an incredible perspective on how good we have it because of the amazing heroes who are risking their life every day to keep us safe.
“Even on the hottest 95-degree days in training camp — when you’re practicing twice daily – it doesn’t begin to compare to what they’re going through every single day over there.”
That was reinforced by Sgt. Eric Harder of Crystal, Minn., who had a “profound effect” on Thomas.
In early October 2009, Harder was involved in a firefight near the Pakistan border that claimed the lives of eight U.S. soldiers.
After his brief meeting with Harder, Thomas did some research and learned that Harder received a Purple Heart and was nominated for a Silver Star.
The fact that Harder didn’t “act like it was a big deal” prompted Thomas to express his sentiments on Harder’s “extraordinary heroism and courage” in an e-mail to Harder’s mom.
“I wanted to write you a note to let you know how much the folks in my group truly appreciate and admire the bravery that your son has shown fighting for this country that we all love,” wrote Thomas, who concluded, “As a mother, you should truly be proud.”
Mary Henry, in turn, was so touched she sent an e-mail expressing her gratitude for Thomas’ kind words to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, which published both e-mails.
“Joe took the time to write me the most eloquent e-mail that I have ever received. His words not only moved me to tears but others that love Eric as well,” wrote Henry, who promised, “As long as Joe Thomas is playing for the Cleveland Browns, I will be watching.”
Henry also confessed, “I have never watched a football game in my life.”
Thomas has invited Eric Harder to be his guest at a Browns game this season when he returns home from his tour of duty.
Thomas even offered to set him up with tickets for Harder’s favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings, if a trip to Cleveland was not feasible.
Thomas, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, wasn’t looking for publicity when he went on the USO tour.
Nor is he today.
“But almost every single person we met had an amazing story,” Thomas said, “and hopefully putting one name (Harder) out there will maybe encourage others to go up to someone in a (military) uniform and thank them for what they do.”
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