fractured fibula during the Dolphins' 38–19 win against the Denver Broncos in their preseason-opener. His injury sidelined him for the remainder of the preseason and he was also inactive for the Miami Dolphins' 16–10 season-opening victory against the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Jimmy Johnson named Thomas the starting middle linebacker upon his return from injury. He started alongside outside linebackers Anthony Harris and Derrick Rodgers. In Week 4, he collected a season-high 12 combined tackles and made an interception during a 31–21 loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On October 27, 1997, Thomas tied his season-high of 12 combined tackles in the Dolphins' 36–33 loss at the Chicago Bears in Week 9. He finished the 1997 season with a total of 127 combined tackles, an interception, and was credited with half a sack in 15 games and 15 starts. The Miami Dolphins finished second in the AFC East with a 9–7 record and earned a wildcard berth. On December 28, 1997, Thomas started in his first career playoff game and recorded ten combined tackles during the Dolphins 17–3 loss as the New England Patriots won the AFC Wildcard Game. 1998 Thomas was retained as the starting middle linebacker for the third consecutive season and started alongside outside linebackers Robert Jones and Derrick Rodgers. On September 20, 1998, Thomas recorded eight combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown during a 21–0 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3. Thomas intercepted a pass by Steelers' quarterback Kordell Stewart and returned it for a 17-yard touchdown in the third quarter. On November 1, 1998, he collected a season-high 14 combined tackles during a 30–24 loss at the Buffalo Bills in Week 9. In Week 14, Thomas recorded six combined tackles and made a season-high two interceptions in the Dolphins' 27–17 win at the Oakland Raiders. Thomas intercepted two pass attempts by quarterback Donald Hollas. He started in all 16 games in 1998 and recorded 133 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks. Thomas was first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career as the Dolphins defense allowed the fewest points in the NFL. The Miami Dolphins finished second in the AFC East with a 10–6 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 2, 1999, Thomas recorded eight combined tackles during a 24–17 win against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wildcard Game. The following week, he made ten