Who Is Zach Thomas? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on September 1, 1973, Zach Thomas is currently 51 years old. He played as a linebacker primarily for the Miami Dolphins and is considered one of the greatest players in NFL history. With an illustrious career spanning from 1996 to 2008, Thomas was known for his incredible tackling ability and football IQ. After his retirement, he continued to be involved in the football community and remains a beloved figure among fans.
Learn more about Zach Thomas on his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 1, 1973 |
| Age | 51 Years |
| Birth Place | Pampa, Texas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Zach Thomas's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Zach Thomas stands at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) and weighs around 242 pounds (110 kg) during his playing days. Even in retirement, he maintains a fit physique, which reflects his dedication to health and fitness. His body stats are a testament to the rigorous training and discipline required to excel in professional football.
In Week 3, he collected a season-high 16 combined tackles (nine solo), broke up a pass, and made a sack during a 27–24 win against the Carolina Panthers. On October 21, 2005, Thomas made 14 combined tackles (eight solo) as the Dolphins lost 30–20 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7.
His 14 combined tackles against the Chiefs continued his streak of six consecutive games with double-digit tackles. In Week 11, Thomas injured his shoulder and was inactive for the next two games (Weeks 12–13).
On December 11, 2005, Thomas recorded 11 combined tackles (nine solo), broke up a pass, and intercepted a pass attempt by Chargers' quarterback Drew Brees as the Dolphins defeated the San Diego Chargers 23–21 in Week 15.
On December 19, 2005, it was announced that Thomas was selected to play in the 2006 Pro Bowl, marking his seventh Pro Bowl selection of his career. He tied for the third most Pro Bowl appearances in club history; this is also the record for most Pro Bowl selections among all defensive players in the Dolphins' franchise history.
Thomas finished his tenth season in 2005 with 158 combined tackles (104 solo), three pass deflections, two sacks, and two interceptions in 14 games and 14 starts.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Zach Thomas is reportedly in a relationship, but he tends to keep his personal life private, making it difficult to disclose the specifics of his current boyfriend/girlfriend status. Thomas was previously married to his college sweetheart, though they have since divorced. Together, they have children, and Zach focuses on being an involved father.
Thomas' most memorable college game for Texas Tech, occurred on October 7, 1995, against rival Texas A&M University. Texas A&M entered the game riding a five-game winning streak against Texas Tech dating back to 1990.
In a defensive 7–7 tie ballgame heading late into the 4th quarter, Thomas intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown with :34 seconds remaining, helping Texas Tech snap their five-game losing streak to Texas A&M, winning by a final score of 14–7.
Thomas finished the game with 12 combined tackles, one fumble recovery, and the game-clinching interception return for a touchdown.
Net Worth and Salary
Zach Thomas’s estimated net worth as of 2025 is around $10 million. His earnings from his NFL career, along with various endorsements and appearances, have contributed to this substantial amount. As one of the prominent figures in football, Thomas has secured a comfortable lifestyle post-retirement.
On February 13, 1999, the Miami Dolphins signed Thomas to a five-year, $22.50 million contract that included a signing bonus of $4.50 million. Thomas's $6.5 million in salary and bonus made him the Dolphins highest paid player, surpassing Dan Marino.
Head coach Jimmy Johnson retained Thomas, Robert Jones, and Derrick Rodgers as the starting linebackers in 1999. In Week 15, Thomas collected a season-high 13 combined tackles during the Dolphins' 12–9 win against the San Diego Chargers. He started in all 16 games in 1999 and recorded 132 combined tackles, a sack, and an interception.
Thomas was selected to the 2000 Pro Bowl, marking the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.
Career, Business, and Investments
During his NFL career, Thomas was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Miami Dolphins’ Ring of Honor in 2012. Beyond football, he has explored various business opportunities, including involvement in sports commentary and coaching roles. Furthermore, he has invested in youth sports programs, aiming to give back to the community and inspire future generations of athletes.
Thomas is also known for his longevity with the Dolphins, and currently is 2nd all time in Dolphins history for most games played by a defensive player in the team's history with 168, behind Taylor's 204.
A seven-time Pro Bowl selection (the most ever by a Dolphins defensive player), and seven-time first (5) or second (2) team All-Pro, Thomas recorded more than 1,700 combined tackles (1,100+ solo) in his career which included leading the league in tackles twice (2002, 2006), topping at least 100 combined tackles (he topped 150+ tackles six times) in
10 out of his 12 seasons with the Dolphins, and currently ranks 6th on the NFL's all-time career tackles list.
He was named a two-time NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year (1998, 2006), and was also selected to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.
Social Network
Zach Thomas is quite active on social media, using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to connect with fans and share insights into his life post-football. His followers appreciate his down-to-earth personality and candid posts, making him a relatable athlete even years after his retirement.
Education
Zach Thomas attended Texas Tech University, where he excelled as a linebacker and earned his degree. His college career set the stage for his successful NFL journey, demonstrating that a solid education coupled with talent can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
Zachary Michael Thomas (born September 1, 1973), nicknamed "Baby Elephant", is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. He played college football for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, and was recognized as a unanimous All-American.
He was selected in the fifth round, 22nd pick (154th overall), in the 1996 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins, and played for the Dolphins in his first 12 seasons in the NFL, before playing his 13th and final season with the Dallas Cowboys.
