NFL legend's 5-cow hobby farm grows to 4,100 acres with Wagyu herd
Former NFL star Joe Thomas has transitioned from professional football to managing a large-scale cattle operation in Wisconsin. His farm, Hall of Fame Farms, has expanded significantly and now focuses on raising Wagyu cattle.
Why it matters
This story illustrates the post-career paths of professional athletes and the growing trend of high-end agricultural investment.
Former Cleveland Browns star Joe Thomas has taken an unexpected turn after retiring from football, trading the NFL field for life on a Wisconsin farm. The Pro Football Hall of Famer is the owner of Hall of Fame Farms, a cattle operation located in the state’s Driftless Region. Thomas spent 11 seasons with the Browns before retiring in 2018 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023. According to Fox News, his interest in farming grew while he was still playing, eventually leading him to build a substantial agricultural operation with his family. Farm Progress has also reported on Thomas’ work on the farm and his approach to raising cattle.From football to farmingThomas, who grew up in Wisconsin, has spoken about wanting to own land long before his NFL career ended.
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