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TRA THOMAS STATEMENTS FROM REID AND BANNER

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TRA THOMAS STATEMENTS FROM REID AND BANNER

POSTED: Monday, March 9, 2009, 4:42 PM

Bob Brookover

Here are the statements from Eagles president Joe Banner and coach Andy Reid about Tra Thomas, who signed a three-year contract with Jacksonville earlier today:

Banner: "On behalf of the entire Eagles organization, I want to thank Tra Thomas for a fantastic 11-year run in Philadelphia. It’s not often that offensive lineman get much praise and attention for their hard work, leadership and Pro Bowl play. But Tra deserves every ounce of it, and I know that our fans feel equally appreciative for everything he has done for this organization and the Philadelphia community. We will miss him and wish him all the best as he continues his career with the Jaguars.”

Reid: “Tra has helped this organization win a lot of football games from a very important position on the football field. During his 11 years in this city, he’s been nothing but a true professional and leader, both on and off the field. Most importantly, he’s a proven winner in the National Football League and will go down as one of the finest offensive tackles in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles. We wish he and his family all of the best in Jacksonville.”

30 comments

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Comments (30)

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 4:57 PM, 03/09/2009

Different paths for Dawk, Thomas...same boilerplate farewell statements from Reid/Lurie. They better not sit around and wait for Eben Britton.

— tdcuse

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 4:58 PM, 03/09/2009

if he was so good you should have resigned him. doy!

— satan

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 5:05 PM, 03/09/2009

Andy Reid is still alive?????????????????

— wingslax35

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 5:05 PM, 03/09/2009

The basic point being that they "were" good - and not worth the money anymore, really. The 'boilerplate' I'm guessing is true and heartfelt, but a message that the other team just overpaid.

— reb

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 5:06 PM, 03/09/2009

Maybe Kolb can play OT because he obviously can't play QB.

— springfieldzoo

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 5:27 PM, 03/09/2009

Is there a single person in the city who likes Banner? What a tool.

— KevinRx

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 5:30 PM, 03/09/2009

I think letting Thomas sign with another team is a big mistake, bigger than losing Dawkins. Thomas has a lot more in the tank, and O-lineman can play for 16 and 17 years at a high rate. I have one question: Who's going to protect McNabb's blindside? It can't be Todd Herraman.Or maybe the Eagles think this would be the easiest way to get rid of their QB.

— fgdavis

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0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 5:38 PM, 03/09/2009

Serious question. Who is running this team now and making the personnel decisions? IS it the paper pushing, tight wad Banner or Fat Andy?

— blueballs

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 5:50 PM, 03/09/2009

Do ya think the Eagles braintrust have made up their minds and that they are moving up in the draft for a stud O Lineman. I think they got their eyes on someone and they are gonna busta move. One of the top O-lineman and that back Wells out of Ohio State and let's play some football.

— rockinrob

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 5:50 PM, 03/09/2009

That's an easy one, dude. Joe Banner is now the face of the Eagles, which makes it almost impossible to still be a fan. I think Lurie used to care about winning a Super Bowl, but it appears Banner has convinced him it's not as important as profit and the bottom line.

— wingnut12

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 6:00 PM, 03/09/2009

"braintrust" may be giving the Eagles management far too much credit. We now have a football team that wants to be competitive, but realistically, we aren't winning a ring anytime soon with this management. Wasn't Banner the one who said something about doing things the same way and expecting different results being insane? I guess they are absolutely fine with the current streak of results.

— J.B.76

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0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 6:18 PM, 03/09/2009

I find it humorous that fans beat on Lurie/Banner. I have been a fan for 40 years, and before Lurie/Banner the Eagles were LOSERS. Most of the time, they were not even competitive. Since Lurie bought the team, they have always been entertaining and overall very successful. They aren't perfect, but I would take them any day over previous ownerships that I have had to endure.

— Bobphxville