"We all had a goal of bringing a championship to this city and while we didn't achieve that goal, we have had a lot of successes during our time together. I was always confident that Tra had my blind side. When he was out there, it was one less thing to worry about. As for Brian, mere words cannot explain what he has meant to me, our team, and the City of Philadelphia. He and I shared many things besides a locker room. We shared a passion for the game, a desire to make a difference, and dreams for better things.
"There may be other men to come in here and play these positions, and hopefully we can share successes. I will always regret not having the chance to win a championship with these guys."
McNabb also lamented the loss of other teammates.
"Correll Buckhalter, Lito Sheppard, Greg Lewis, and Sean Considine will all be missed, and I do wish them all success," the quarterback said.
If you were looking for McNabb to throw a fit over what the Eagles had done so far in free agency, you didn't get it from this blog.
Meanwhile, Thomas went on WIP-AM (610) yesterday morning and talked about leaving the Eagles after 11 seasons, including 10 with coach Andy Reid and McNabb. Thomas did not return a phone call from The Inquirer.
Without sounding the least bit angry, Thomas said he did not receive a phone call from Reid after signing a three-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday.
"Ten years with him . . . I haven't heard anything," Thomas said. "It's cool. I understand the nature of the game. I don't take it personal. I've moved on, and I'm with a new organization that wants me here, and I'm excited to be where I am now."
Thomas expects to see a lot of his former teammates Friday when he hosts a charity golf tournament in Deland, Fla., where he grew up and played high school football. McNabb, Brian Westbrook,Asante Samuel, Sheppard and Buckhalter are among the NFL players scheduled to attend.
When the season ended with a loss to Arizona in the NFC championship game, Thomas, 34, said he was confident theEagles would want him back, but once Dawkins signed with Denver, he knew his days in Philadelphia were numbered, too.
"Once Dawk signed with Denver, I said, 'All right, there it is,' " Thomas said."If they don't bring Dawk back, man, I know I'm gone. I told my wife, 'Get our suitcases ready and let's get ready to move.' "
Contact staff writer Bob Brookover at 215-854-2577 or bbrookover@phillynews.com.
