Randy Thomas was back in the locker room for the first time since having the season-ending surgery on his right triceps last week. And just to make sure we noticed the 6-foot-5, 308-pound Thomas, his friend and linemate Chris Samuels loudly said, “Hey, everyone, Randy Thomas!”
Among Thomas’ thoughts after his 11th or 12th surgery (he’s not sure of the exact number):
On whether or not the Rams game was his last: “I never had that thought in my mind. Whatever happens happens. That’s life. But mentally I’m never giving up until I say enough’s enough….Some guys end it here; some guys end it later. There comes a time where it has to end though.”
On having to watch the games now: “That’s the most difficult part, dealing with getting hurt, the way it went down and the timing. That’s what you have to deal with. Going through what we’re going through and not being able to do anything about it on a personal level.”
On helping his replacement, Chad Rinehart: “Just what I know as a pro, what type of techniques, mentally what I know about the guy he’s facing or some things I noticed that Buges might not say….I thought he did a good job for his first starting game in the NFL. Here and there he could have had a better game, but that’s growing pains.”
On missing another season: “Hey, man, I have to have a great sense of humor but it sucks. I really felt the best in my career and then you get hit with something that wasn’t bothering you at all.”
On dealing with the frustration: “You play every week and you prepare in the offseason and you go through a season hoping things don’t happen. People on the outside don’t understand the violence of this game. Before you even hit someone you have to practice and in practice you’re hitting. That’s the one thing people don’t see is the preparation. All they see is the outcome and whatever they want to read or write about. I’ve dealt with a lot of surgeries, but my heart is strong. I’m not gonna complain.”
