Thomas Named Lombardi Award Semifinalist
October 18, 2005 | Football
University of Wisconsin junior Joe Thomas has been named a semifinalist for the 36th Rotary Lombardi Award presented by Wachovia Bank, the award's executive committee announced Tuesday. The award is given annually to the nation's top lineman, offense or defense.
The 12 semifinalists, made up of eight defensive and four offensive players, were part of a 123-player Watch List released in August. The List was then pared down through voting by a selection committee.
Thomas, a left tackle, has helped pave the way for running back Brian Calhoun's 959-yard, 14-touchdown season thus far. Thomas also has not allowed a sack this year.
In the preseason, Street & Smith named him an honorable mention All-American offensive lineman. Last week, Sports Illustrated selected Thomas to its mid-season All-America team.
The Rotary Lombardi Award Selection Committee is comprised of more than 500 members, including all past finalists, all Division I head coaches and a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. The award, named after Vince Lombardi, is hosted by the Rotary Club of Houston and benefits the American Cancer Society.
Last year, former Badger Erasmus James was one of four finalists for the award.
