Story perspectives

Joe Thomas Says He Cried After 2016 Patriots Loss

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 12:20 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Joe Thomas, Browns left tackle, said he cried after the Patriots beat Cleveland 33-13 in Week 5, 2016.
The loss left the Browns winless at 0-5 for the season.
Tom Brady threw 406 yards and three touchdowns in that game.
Thomas later met the Browns’ psychologist to discuss his emotional reaction.

History

Historical Context

After the Patriots' record-setting 2007 campaign—going 16-0 in the regular season, scoring 589 points and posting a +315 point differential—public scrutiny of player stress grew, especially after high-profile emotional displays like Joe Thomas’s 2016 tears. Responding to that trend, the NFL required every team to employ a psychologist in 2020, expanding mental-health support league-wide.

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Story summary

Joe Thomas, Browns left tackle, said he cried after the Patriots beat Cleveland 33-13 in Week 5, 2016.
The loss left the Browns winless at 0-5 for the season.
Tom Brady threw 406 yards and three touchdowns in that game.
Thomas later met the Browns’ psychologist to discuss his emotional reaction.

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