Sermon Illustrations
NFL Player's 10,363 Consecutive Snap Streak Ends Humbly
In the world of professional football, certain players get the most glory and recognition, like quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, or even certain defensive players. Offensive linemen rarely get noticed. But the offense wouldn't be able to move down the field with the largely hidden, unspectacular work of the linemen.
That's why it was gratifying to see a linemen honored for his service to the team. On Sunday, October 22, 2017 Cleveland Browns fans gave offensive tackle Joe Thomas a standing ovation in the third quarter as he left the field after an injury. Prior to that injury, Thomas had played every snap for his team since he was drafted in 2007—a streak of 10,363 plays in a row.
Thomas wasn't a flashy superstar, but his quiet, consistent, and humble faithfulness was a big part of what made the offense work. When asked about his streak of over 10,000 plays, Thomas said:
Something I've found comfort in is, Just do your job. I've got people in my family who get up and go to work every day and they don't complain…. I am blessed to do what I love to do so much. I just hope it means I'm a regular guy who gets up every morning and goes to work, and plays as hard as he can, and is a good teammate. I hope that's what they say about me.