Seahawks legend Earl Thomas says he’s ‘still the best safety’ in the NFL in rare interview

It's been a long time since we've heard from or really seen former Seattle Seahawks All-Pro safety Earl Thomas, but his relative absence from the public eye came to an end earlier this week.

Thomas, who hasn't played since he was with the Baltimore Ravens in 2019, was interviewed by Josina Anderson in her inaugural episode of "The Exhibit." There were several topics discussed, including his time away from the NFL, his Hall of Fame candidacy, his relationship with Pete Carroll, and a lot more.

The inaugural member of the famed 'Legion of Boom' secondary is adamant that despite his time away from the game, he's still the best at this position. Like, right now.

"When I punched somebody in practice, that was a mistake," Thomas said. "And then things kinda got harder to get back in the league, even though I'm still the best safety in the league."

That "somebody" was fellow safety Chuck Clark (now with the New York Jets ). Thomas was released by the Ravens prior to the start of the 2020 regular season, putting an end to a brief but tumultuous time in Baltimore. He has not played a single down since then, and in recent years he's been in the headlines for mostly negative reasons, including a 2022 arrest for alleged threatening text messages toward his wife and children . Thomas was also the victim of a $1.9 million identity theft scheme last year .

The 35-year-old Thomas saw his wonderful Seahawks career end with a second leg break in three seasons, sparking the infamous middle-finger gesture toward Pete Carroll, who opted not to extend his contract while he played on the final year of his deal.

"I think me and Pete are on great terms," Thomas said, adding that he believes that chapter between them is over.

Thomas is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025. It doesn't seem likely that he'll be a first-ballot inductee, but Thomas believes he will be. And if he isn't? Well...

"I'm better than Ed Reed, I'm better than Troy Polamalu," Thomas said. "That would just be that.

"I know a lot of Seattle fans would agree. I know for sure that 2013 team, we don't win a Super Bowl without me. We don't go back (to the Super Bowl the next year) without me, either. So that's just that."

There's a whole lot going on in this interview, including his interest in coaching and also wanting to be in the Ravens Ring of Honor for some reason.