Donald Trump appears not to recognise NFL Hall of Famer at Wisconsin event

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Donald Trump appeared not to recognise NFL Hall of Famer Joe Thomas during an agriculture event in Wisconsin on Friday.

Trump was seated near Thomas during a roundtable in Chippewa Falls, where the former Cleveland Browns left tackle was among those in attendance.

The moment stood out because Thomas is one of the most decorated football figures Wisconsin has produced.

Donald Trump had awkward exchange with Joe Thomas in Wisconsin

Trump was in Chippewa Falls for an agriculture roundtable on Friday, June 5. While seated near Thomas, Trump pointed towards him and said: “I don’t know who he is, but he is one hell of a specimen,” according to the Daily Mail.

Thomas replied: “I appreciate that,” before shaking Trump’s hand.

Trump later acknowledged Thomas while reading from prepared notes, saying: “Great career, Joe, I know who you are.”

The event focused on farming issues, but the exchange with Thomas quickly became one of the most striking moments from the appearance.

Trump first praised Thomas for his size, before later telling the room he knew who the former NFL player was.

Thomas later said it was “great meeting” Trump and said he appreciated the chance to discuss issues affecting family farmers and beef producers.

Joe Thomas is one of Wisconsin’s most decorated football figures

The exchange drew attention because Thomas is not an obscure name in football, especially in Wisconsin.

Thomas is a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee from the Class of 2023 after an outstanding career with the Browns.

He played 11 seasons in Cleveland, made 10 Pro Bowls and was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.

Thomas also played 10,363 consecutive snaps, one of the defining statistics of his career.

His Wisconsin connection is just as clear. Thomas is a Brookfield, Wisconsin native who played college football for the Badgers before Cleveland selected him third overall in the 2007 NFL Draft.

That background is why the exchange travelled beyond the room.

Trump did later praise Thomas and acknowledge his career, but the initial comment still stood out because it involved one of the most decorated football figures Wisconsin has produced.