Thomas discusses hunting, country music and the NFL

By Brigid Mullen

What's Wisconsin star and future top-five NFL draft pick Joe Thomas really like? Well, he likes county music, hunting, James Bond movies and the Discovery Channel. There's a lot more to Thomas than football. To give you some insight to the man behind the uniform, I recently caught up with the mega-stud.

Joe Thomas is adamant that he paid for the engagement ring he gave to Wisconsin hoops star Annie Nelson with his own money. Photo courtesy of Brigid Mullen

Brigid Mullen: When you're not at practices or games or studying, what are you doing?

Joe Thomas: Well, I'm probably doing an interview.

BM: Any particular team you want to end up with?

JT: Not really. I've just gone through the whole process and done as much as I can to make myself an attractive candidate.

BM: If you could give young athletes any one piece of advice what would it be?

JT: Just to always work hard, shoot big, never settle, and set your goals high.

BM: Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals?

JT: I used to try and do everything the same way and in the same order before games, but then if it didn't work out it could really throw me off and take my head out of the game. So now I just make sure that my socks are on, my shoes are on the right feet, and I just relax and go out there and do my thing.

BM: What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

JT: I'm actually a pretty good dancer ... not at the clubs so much. I mostly just dance with my roommates and stuff.

BM: When you go home are you treated like a local celebrity? How about on campus?

JT: It's really not a lot different. People pretty much treat me like I'm the same guy except that more little kids want autographs now. On campus it's no different either. Madison is pretty laid back and everyone is used to seeing athletes all over so it's no big deal. It's when I go to other cities that I really notice more hype about it.

BM: What's your favorite type of music to listen to?

JT: Country!

BM: Does that mean I could catch you sporting a cowboy hat and driving around a big truck with your country music blaring?

JT: Exactly! I love that stuff.

BM: Favorite TV shows? Movies?

JT: I love the show Man vs. Wild on the Discovery Channel. And as far as movies I love all of the James Bond movies, especially the older ones. If you haven't seen the newest one yet I would recommend it. It's really good.

BM: If you could do one thing everyday besides play football, what would it be?

JT: Hunting and fishing. I try to get outdoors as much as possible.

BM: What would be your dream job besides playing football?

JT: To be a hunting and fishing guide... that would be awesome.

BM: As a college senior, you will come away with not only a number of prestigious awards, but you'll also most likely be a first-round draft pick. Do you think it will be difficult going from a standout college player to a rookie in the NFL?

JT: I figure it will be similar to the transition from high school to college. The biggest challenge will probably be learning to play at a different speed. Everyone in the NFL is bigger, stronger and faster so it really puts all of the best guys from college on more of a level playing field.

BM: It seems like every athlete makes kind of a dream purchase like an outrageous car or house or something after signing their first major contract. Is there anything in particular that you plan to spend that first paycheck on?

JT: Actually it's going right into the bank. I'm really not so big into material things or other depreciating assets. I'm more concerned with living comfortably and starting a little nest-egg.

BM: As far as men's sports go... I've always wondered: Doesn't it get kind of annoying to have guys slapping your ass all day?

JT: Haha. Umm, I guess you really get used to it if you've been playing sports since you were little.

BM: Is it weird knowing that people everywhere are talking about you?

JT: Not really. I try to not pay attention to it at all and not worry about what people think about me.

BM: So I hear that you recently got engaged to hottie UW Basketball player Annie Nelson. Is it true that your parents took out a mortgage on their house so you could buy her a ring?

JT: Hahaha. Well, I'm glad that people think that the ring is that big! It's a flattering rumor, but no, it's not true. I actually paid for it with my own money.

BM: What or who has been your biggest inspiration in your life?

JT: Definitely my dad. He has always been a hard worker and never complained about anything. He's a great guy.