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Zach Thomas: Cowboys' Veteran Linebacker Returns to His Texas Roots (continued)

"Joe does a great job with the program," Thomas says of his old friend.  "Everybody is here.  When everyone in the weight room is competing, it makes you better.  Nobody is really isolated by themselves doing their workouts.  Joe has made the atmosphere that way; he pushes you.  I can’t say I’m 225 anymore, I’m more like 240 now.  It’s a good feeling.  I think it’s more muscle than anything.  You don’t want to get too big or too stiff, but I’ve worked with Joe back in college and I’m impressed with his workouts.  I’m not knocking anything back home, it’s just a different type workout and it’s really worked for the team.  I know its’ going to work for myself.  I feel good out on the field."

Thomas has also worked closely with teammate Bradie James, the captain of the Cowboys defense.  Thomas and James will play alongside each other as the starting inside linebackers.  Thomas will play 'Mo', and James will resume his role as 'Mike' (middle linebacker).

"I’m always picking Bradie’s brain," says Thomas.  "I’m surprised, watching him on tape, that he’s such a playmaker.  We didn’t get to watch too much on tape (last year).  It’s good to be beside a playmaker like him and I’m learning from him.  He’s helping me out with the calls.  It makes it a lot easier.  Really, the 'mike' linebacker takes control.  I’ll help him out once I get to know it a little better, but he’s really made my job a lot easier."

Thomas' backup at 'Mo' is Bobby Carpenter who, since being drafted by the Cowboys in 2006, has worn #54.  Thomas wore #54 in Miami for 12 seasons, but did not want to take #54 from Carpenter.  Instead, Thomas is wearing #55 with the Cowboys.

"I like it," Thomas says of his new #55.  "It’s a new chapter in my life and that’s why I wanted to leave #54 with the Dolphins.  Some great players wore #54 here with Randy White.  I leave #54 with those guys.  But it’s not about the number.  You make the number.  That’s why it’s good to have a new number."

Returning to Texas and signing with the Cowboys is also a new chapter in his profilic career.  After 12 years of playing at Pro Bowl caliber levels, does he still feel he has something to prove...especially to Cowboys fans? 

"You just try to get better, you never try to prove anything," insists Thomas.  "You’re out there competing.  The only thing I try to get is respect.  That’s it.  Knowing that I’m going to come to work hard and try to help out the team as much as I can.  You’re always out there competing.  If you’re past that, if you’re not trying to earn respect, then you shouldn’t be in the league."

Thomas has also had to answer questions as to whether or not he's "lost a step" after 12 years of pounding in the NFL.

"Maybe I’m in denial, but I don’t think I’ve really lost anything.  That’s the reason I’m back playing.  If I’ve lost a step and don’t have confidence in my game, I would have stepped out.  Like I always told some of the reporters before, I’ll know when it’s time to turn the page.  I feel good out there.  To be honest with you, I feel young.  You just don’t recover as fast, but still, when I’m running around…when that happens, I should know and I’ll step down.  But now everything is new to me and it’s brought a lot of excitement for myself."

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