There was a silver lining in the darkest period inJoe Thomas‘ legendary career, and he used it to helpMyles Garrett in the best possible manner.Garrett entered the league with exceptional physical tools, becoming the first overall draft pick in 2017.
Joe Thomas Taught Myles Garrett How NFL Tackles Think
Jun 2, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (95) poses with jersey at press conference at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Thomas disclosed this information in an appearance on the New Heights podcast, stating that being unable to play due to his torn triceps in 2017 helped him have a special training relationship with the rookie star.
Rather than practicing for the game, Thomas spent his time watching and learning from other NFL tackles, then teaching them to the youngsters.
“The one benefit I would say for me is it was Myles Garrett’s rookie year. So I was able to really spend a lot of time with Myles and help him see the game from an offensive tackle’s perspective.
“I would write him scouting reports and I would give him like, ‘Hey, this is what this guy’s good at. This is what he’s not good at. This is the rush I think you should feature. But don’t do it at the beginning of the game. Set him up the first two quarters, and then in the second half, when the game’s on the line, now you pull out your best stuff. Then you give him what you’ve been giving him, and then you’ll probably beat him.’ And it turns out he’s also a really ridiculously f***ing good athlete.”
Joe Thomas says the silver lining of his season ending NFL injury was helping Myles Garrett as a rookie
“The one benefit I would say for me is it was Myles Garrett's rookie year. So I was able to really spend a lot of time with Myles and help him see the game from an offensive… pic.twitter.com/YiAUL47R0q
— dank (@cptdankkk) July 14, 2026
Thomas was not onlyteaching pass-rush moves but also giving Garrett a veteran offensive tackle’s blueprint, explaining how blockers react in games and how elite defenders can manipulate those tendencies before delivering the knockout punch.
Travis Kelce called the arrangement a “cheat code,” noting that few rookies ever get direct access to a Hall of Fame offensive lineman willing to explain exactly what tackles are thinking snap after snap.
Thomas recently admitted the blockbuster move was painful for the Browns fans; however, he ultimately understood why the franchise made it.
He believes acquiring reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, along with multiple premium draft picks, gives Cleveland a stronger long-term foundation, even if moving on from Garrett was emotionally difficult.
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