Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/16/thomas-placed-career-line/]Redskin risked it all - Washington Times[/url]

Dude is a warrior!

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

That worries me. I think I've expressed previously this offseason that I'm concerned about Thomas. He's one wrong step away from something really bad happening.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

That pretty much explains his otherwise inexplicable inability to block in the second half of the year. He should return to form, given a successful recovery.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

That is insane! I remember Smootsmack saying he thought Thomas might get an injury settlement & end his career. That is going too far, no need to play football w/an injury like that.

In a perfect world he'll come back strong, but it doesn't sound like that's what's best for him. From a football standpoint they need to find his replacement asap, but from a personal standpoint I would've never taken the field if I were in his shoes last year.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

hopefully my man can get back to doing those pull plays where he gets to the second level and paves the way for CP.

take it easy rehabbing randy, we need you and the fellas to hold it down this up-coming season.

go skins!!

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

What a warrior...I mean you want to believe he's 100% like he says but if he didn't admit to the earlier situation can u really buy he's back.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

He's no warrior, he's an idiot.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

Anyone should know that back and neck injuries are very critical.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

I find it unconsionable that the Skins coaches & staff knew about this and still allowed him to risk his life playing. Talk about irresponsible. I dont blame RT for wanting to play but sometimes people need people to save them from themselves.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=irish;546411]I find it unconsionable that the Skins coaches & staff knew about this and still allowed him to risk his life playing. Talk about irresponsible. I dont blame RT for wanting to play but sometimes people need people to save them from themselves.[/quote]

I think folks should be up in arms over the fact our FO failed to draft/acquire a legt backup in 2+ years...I mean sure it was a bad risk to play Thomas but who would have played instead? The line was and is in shambles w/o some responsible management...somehow I doubt even this will serve as a wake-up call.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=saden1;546401]He's no warrior, he's an idiot.[/quote]

Agreed. And for the people looking at this from a football perspective. It'll be like he's playing with foul trouble in the first quarter of a basketball game. Looks though like we need more line help. Surprise.

Though if this is really fixed then we might have just gotten a hell of a football player.
[I]
"The recovery was such a breeze except for that first week when I couldn't really swallow or eat a lot,?"

[/I]Ironically, knowing what I know about Randy Thomas this might have been the worst part of the whole process.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=The Goat;546415]I think folks should be up in arms over the fact our FO failed to draft/acquire a legt backup in 2+ years...I mean sure it was a bad risk to play Thomas but who would have played instead? The line was and is in shambles w/o some responsible management...somehow I doubt even this will serve as a wake-up call.[/quote]

Just to play devil's advocate they did draft rhinehart in the third last year which is a good spot to take guards/centers. Its still unknown whether he will amount to anything but they did try with him. That being said one O-linemen is not adequate.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=freddyg12;546394]That is insane! I remember Smootsmack saying he thought Thomas might get an injury settlement & end his career. That is going too far, no need to play football w/an injury like that.

In a perfect world he'll come back strong, but it doesn't sound like that's what's best for him. From a football standpoint they need to find his replacement asap, but from a personal standpoint I would've never taken the field if I were in his shoes last year.[/quote]

I totally agree. Furthermore, if your vertebrae has been replaced with metal plates and screws, please do your family a favor and retire. Thank you Randy, but no thank you. Pride must go before the fall.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=The Goat;546415]I think folks should be up in arms over the fact our FO failed to draft/acquire a legt backup in 2+ years...I mean sure it was a bad risk to play Thomas but who would have played instead? The line was and is in shambles w/o some responsible management...somehow I doubt even this will serve as a wake-up call.[/quote]Fabini proved that his old man skills play very well at RG. Instead, he was inactive most of the year, and finished at RT, where he was hilariously overmatched. We just didn't have anyone else.

But the "Jansen must go" crowd obviously didn't notice that the big white guy giving up all sorts of pressure against Cinci and Philly wasn't, in fact, Jansen.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=saden1;546401]He's no warrior, he's an idiot.[/quote]

I gotta agree and I can't believe the team elt him play. There ahs to be a little more to it. RT is without a shadow of a doubt one of the nicest players I have met. Really down to earth and fun to hang with. I'd love for him to stick around as a coach once he finally hangs it up.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

Just out of curiousity. What happens to our salary cap when a player reitres?

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

I think it kind of sucks to criticize him for doing this, but whatever, the bigger thing I take away from this is the fact that the dude is squatting huge amounts of weight right now (you wouldn't put a heavy ass barbell on your neck if it was injured). If he's healthy like it seems he is, he becomes a big wildcard for us. Getting him back healthy would be like getting another free agent offensive lineman. If he can show he still has the athleticism to pull, our offensive line could get a huge boost from both him and Dock.

Remember, Thomas was absolutely critical to us making the playoffs in 2005. He's a very talented OG. I'm definitely encouraged by this.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=saden1;546401]He's no warrior, he's an idiot.[/quote]He's a football player and he did what a true team player would do, put his team above himself. Any of his teammates should run through walls for the guy.

However, the coaches and medical staff are IDIOTS. I agree with irish on this 100%. A true football player will do whatever he needs to do for his teammates, but it's the coaches and med staff's [B]responsibility[/B] to put the players health before on-field success. The disappointment is beyond words for the coaching and med staff that let this happen.

No way would I ever put a player on the field with this type of potential risk to his health.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=Slingin Sammy 33;546442]He's a football player and he did what a true team player would do, put his team above himself. Any of his teammates should run through walls for the guy.

However, the coaches and medical staff are IDIOTS. I agree with irish on this 100%. A true football player will do whatever he needs to do for his teammates, but it's the coaches and med staff's [B]responsibility[/B] to put the players health before on-field success. The disappointment is beyond words for the coaching and med staff that let this happen.

No way would I ever put a player on the field with this type of potential risk to his health.[/quote]

Being a football player doesn't give you the license to do something stupid. I can cross the street blindfolded and chances are good that I won't get hit but you won't see me doing it. You don't put your life before your work. You most certainly don't when you have children to take care of. No, I am well within bounds to think him an idiot.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=Schneed10;546438]I think it kind of sucks to criticize him for doing this, but whatever, the bigger thing I take away from this is the fact that the dude is squatting huge amounts of weight right now (you wouldn't put a heavy ass barbell on your neck if it was injured). If he's healthy like it seems he is, he becomes a big wildcard for us. Getting him back healthy would be like getting another free agent offensive lineman. If he can show he still has the athleticism to pull, our offensive line could get a huge boost from both him and Dock.

Remember, Thomas was absolutely critical to us making the playoffs in 2005. He's a very talented OG. I'm definitely encouraged by this.[/quote]

I agree with this..

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

Randy, I love ya, babe. One of my all-time favorite redskins. Thank God you are feeling better, but walk away before you get carted away.
I am going to cringe every time he is on the ground from here on out.
Maybe Bugel can start grooming Randy to be our next O Line coach!

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=saden1;546401]He's no warrior, he's an idiot.[/quote]

I am not sure that "warrior" and "idiot" are mutually exclusive categories...

I agree with the comments that someone in the training room needed to tell him "no." Sucking it up for the team is one thing. Ruining the remaining 40 years of your life, if you make it that long, is something else.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

The things these guys put their bodies through is nothing short of amazing. I hope he's healed up and ready to rock this year.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=Slingin Sammy 33;546442]He's a football player and he did what a true team player would do, put his team above himself. Any of his teammates should run through walls for the guy.

However, the coaches and medical staff are IDIOTS. I agree with irish on this 100%. A true football player will do whatever he needs to do for his teammates, but it's the coaches and med staff's [B]responsibility[/B] to put the players health before on-field success. The disappointment is beyond words for the coaching and med staff that let this happen.

No way would I ever put a player on the field with this type of potential risk to his health.[/quote]

The decision is ultimately on the player.

Every time these guys step on the field they risk serious injury. Where do you draw the line?

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=backrow;546385][url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/16/thomas-placed-career-line/]Redskin risked it all - Washington Times[/url]

Dude is a warrior![/quote]

Wow. Well he will be better than before now. We can be good with the right QB. I personally would like to see Colt get a shot.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=saden1;546464]Being a football player doesn't give you the license to do something stupid. I can cross the street blindfolded and chances are good that I won't get hit but you won't see me doing it. You don't put your life before your work. You most certainly don't when you have children to take care of. No, I am well within bounds to think him an idiot.[/quote]
I don't know RT personally, but I understand the mindset. IMO it wasn't "walking across the street blindfolded" to him, it was taking a calculated risk for his teammates and his determination to not let an injury dictate if he's going to play. Every football player knows they are one play away from a serious injury, but they never worry about it until it's too late. Hence the judgement of the coaches/med staff must be exercised here to protect him.

I would also argue that RT doesn't see his career as "work", he see probably believes it is his life. If I was in his shoes, I'd probably take the same risk if I didn't have a child.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=Mattyk72;546485]The decision is ultimately on the player.

Every time these guys step on the field they risk serious injury. Where do you draw the line?[/quote]
No. The decision on who steps on the field is the coaches. A majority of the players will play if they can physically get on the field.

A herniated disk in the neck is pretty serious. I draw the line at putting a player on the field when you're looking at a chance of potential paralysis from the neck down.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=Lotus;546482][B]I am not sure that "warrior" and "idiot" are mutually exclusive categories...[/B]

I agree with the comments that someone in the training room needed to tell him "no." Sucking it up for the team is one thing. Ruining the remaining 40 years of your life, if you make it that long, is something else.[/quote]

You're absolutely right. He's a stupid warrior.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=saden1;546464]Being a football player doesn't give you the license to do something stupid. I can cross the street blindfolded and chances are good that I won't get hit but you won't see me doing it. [B]You don't put your life before your work.[/B] You most certainly don't when you have children to take care of. No, I am well within bounds to think him an idiot.[/quote]

Your already shortening your life almost 15 years by deciding to play football in the first place, what's a couple less years for a couple more million bucks for your family. Most low wage workers(miners for example) put their their health on the line all the time to make an income for family. So i don't think its crazy in his reasoning but yeah the FO should have shut it down.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

From a personal perspective, he really should NOT have done that. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING is worth paralysis!
From a fan perspective, I hope more Skins fans hear of his unselfish acts, and cut him some slack. He gets a lot of respect from me for putting the team first. Dumb or not, he did it, and he should be commended! It's players like that, that make me proud I'm a skins fan! He deserves a standing ovation!

Thank you Randy...stay as long as you would like! Like McGinty said, Miles and miles of heart!

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

this is insanity at its highest. i love sports, and love to compete. but i love life, just alittle bit more

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=Slingin Sammy 33;546496]No. The decision on who steps on the field is the coaches. A majority of the players will play if they can physically get on the field.

A herniated disk in the neck is pretty serious. I draw the line at putting a player on the field when you're looking at a chance of potential paralysis from the neck down.[/quote]

Right, and the guy was obviously healthy enough to play.

Personally I'd like to know what the % risk of serious injury was. Was it 1%, 10%, 90%?

If it was something very high I doubt the team would have let him play. But if it was something on the low end I think it's got to be left up to the player.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=Mattyk72;546484]The things these guys put their bodies through is nothing short of amazing.[/quote]

Yeah it's pretty ridiculous. Many of the former players I see walking around here look like they're in constant agony

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

Man we must be used to having nothing to talk about, we're arguing whether the coaching staff should have let him play.

Isn't the more important and interesting thing that the guy is healthy. I'd rather discuss whether he can return to form and pave the way for Portis than discuss whether he should have played last year.

I mean he played, he didn't get hurt, it's over. Let's talk about this year.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=Mattyk72;546509]Personally I'd like to know what the % risk of serious injury was. Was it 1%, 10%, 90%?

If it was something very high I doubt the team would have let him play. But if it was something on the low end I think it's got to be left up to the player.[/quote]
And if you're the coach, and the chance is say 10-15%, and you let him get on the field, and his number comes up, what did you take that risk for? Was it worth it? What about the SF game, why risk it? We were already out of the playoffs.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=Slingin Sammy 33;546526]And if you're the coach, and the chance is say 10-15%, and you let him get on the field, and his number comes up, what did you take that risk for? Was it worth it? [b]What about the SF game, why risk it? We were already out of the playoffs.[/b][/quote]

Ya, that one didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. I can see doing it for the team, but if we were already out, why do that?

Still...more people should be cheering Thomas! Dumb or not, he did it for the team...wish others had that dedication to the team.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=Mattyk72;546509]Right, and the guy was obviously healthy enough to play.

Personally I'd like to know what the % risk of serious injury was. Was it 1%, 10%, 90%?

If it was something very high I doubt the team would have let him play. But if it was something on the low end I think it's got to be left up to the player.[/quote]

That's my thought. I don't think the article had the proper context and quite honestly was a little alarmist. I just don't believe teh team would allow someone to realistically risk paralysis in an ongoing fashion.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

After Shawne Merriman don't underestimate the stupidity of these guys.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

[quote=Mattyk72;546485]The decision is ultimately on the player.

Every time these guys step on the field they risk serious injury. Where do you draw the line?[/quote]
There is a difference in them going on the field risking injury and going on the field with a risk of paralysis. I respect the fact that he wanted to play with hopes at making the playoffs but at some point the coaching staff and meds. have to step in. To make it even worse they let him play in a meanless game at the end of the season. What would we have thought about the coaches and trainers if something bad did happen and if it then happened in our last meanless game at that.

Re: Randy Thomas Risked it All!
 

Damn, I didn't know that it was that bad. You gotta love the effort and just be thankful that nothing overly serious came of it. Hopefully he can get out there with a renewed drive this year.