BEREA, Ohio (AP) - Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas called former teammate Peyton Hillis ``a terrible distraction'' last season, and said the running back put his contract situation ahead of the team.

Hillis is returning to play in Cleveland this week with the Kansas City Chiefs. Thomas unloaded Wednesday on Hillis, saying he didn't always play hard and called his time with the Browns ``toxic.''

Thomas said Hillis ``wasn't real popular around here the way he went about his business'' and that ``he just wouldn't listen to anybody.''

Hillis sat out a game with strep throat last season on the advice of his agent. He also missed several games with a hamstring injury and his quest for a new contract with the Browns was always an issue.

Hillis signed as a free agent with Kansas City in the offseason.

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