Joe Thomas, first-round draft pick and five-time NFL pro-bowler for the Cleveland Browns, is the newest local celebrity to sponsor Cleveland APL adoptable pets. During the month of May, Joe and his wife Annie are hoping to help area animal lovers become just as passionate as they are about making shelter pets the first choice for pet adoption.
“I believe that all animals deserve the chance to be loved, feel safe and to have a forever home. The Cleveland APL makes that possible!” says Joe.
MEDIA INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY
During May, Annie Thomas is available to speak about why she and Joe are supporting the Cleveland APL’s celebrity pet campaign and why shelter pet adoption is so important-both for humans and pets.
To schedule an interview, contact Judy Hunter at 216.344.1353 or jhunter@64.225.16.234.
About Joe Thomas
Joe Thomas is an offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns. He was drafted in the 1st round (3rd overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Browns. Thomas became the first Browns left tackle selected to the Pro Bowl since Doug Dieken in 1980, and has since been selected to the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 Pro Bowls. He is considered among the top offensive linemen in the game today.
In his rookie season, Thomas became the first Browns rookie selected to the Pro Bowl since linebacker Chip Banks (1982 season) and the first offensive lineman since right tackle Cody Risien (1987 season). In 50 games at the University of Wisconsin (2003-06), Thomas started 38 contests at left offensive tackle and one at left defensive end. He is only the fifth player in school history to be a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award (2005-06), given to the nation’s outstanding college lineman. He was also only the second to receive that recognition twice in a career. Thomas was named the 2010 Cleveland Browns Walter Payton Man of the Year and PFWA Dino Lucarelli Good Guy award winner. He hosts an outdoor sportsman show on Sports Time Ohio, “Outdoors Ohio with D’Arcy Egan and Joe Thomas”, founded the “Blue Collar Corner” season ticket program which provided tickets, apparel and food for the Cleveland Building and Trades Council and the “Thomas’ Troops” season ticket program which provided tickets, apparel and food for the USO of Northern Ohio. He is married to Annie Thomas, a former University of Wisconsin basketball player.
About the Cleveland APL
Incorporated in 1913, the Cleveland Animal Protective League’s mission is to foster compassion and end animal suffering. Located in Cleveland’s beautiful Tremont area, the Cleveland APL is an independent, nonprofit, humane society that is supported solely through donations. Each year, nearly 17,000 animals are assisted through a variety of progressive programs. The Cleveland APL has achieved 100 percent placement of healthy, friendly animals, provides care and placement for homeless animals with treatable illnesses and injuries through its Second Chance Program, investigates and assists in the prosecution of animal cruelty and neglect in Cuyahoga County, and provides access to low-cost spay/neuter for stray cats. Visit www.ClevelandAPL.org for more information.
