Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas terrorized opposing quarterbacks over his 11-year career. But a car accident tragically cut short his life and Hall of Fame career at the age of 33.
Thomas was one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL. Many compared him to New York Giants great and Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor.
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted the All-American Alabama standout 4th overall in the 1989 draft. #58 jumped right into action, starting all 16 games as a rookie, forcing three fumbles, registering 10 sacks, and combining for 75 tackles—a feat that earned him AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and UPI NFL Rookie of the Year.
Thomas Wasn’t a One-Hit Wonder
During his 11 years in the NFL, Thomas racked up stat after stat: 641 tackles, 126.5 sacks, 19 fumble recoveries for 161 yards and 4 touchdowns, and 41 forced fumbles in 169 career games. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and 2-time First Team All-Pro.
Hall of Famer Jackie Slater characterized Thomas’ impact as “He affects the 11 guys across the line of scrimmage and the other ten guys playing with him.” He propelled the Chiefs’ defense to greatness. In his 11 seasons, the defense ranked in the top 10 nine times. During those years, they had a turnover ratio of plus-120, and Thomas accounted for 65 of those takeaways.
A Kansas City Chiefs Force, On and Off the Field
Thomas received many awards and accolades, including holding the record for most sacks in a single NFL game. During a game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 11, 1990, Thomas sacked quarterback Dave Krieg seven times. Surprisingly, the Kansas City Chiefs lost the game by one point, with a final score of 17 – 16!
While on the field, he ferociously pursued opposing players. Off the field, Thomas doggedly pursued his mission. As the founder of the Derrick Thomas Third and Long Foundation, Thomas strived to “sack childhood illiteracy” in the Kansas City area. His work helped over 1,000 children succeed in school and earned Thomas the 1993 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
Derrick’s only career interception came during the 1999 season. On Halloween day, the Kansas City Chiefs trampled the San Diego Chargers 34 – 0. The KC defense recorded four takeaways during the game, one of which was Thomas’ only career interception.
A Kansas City Chiefs Career and Life Cut Too Short
Just three months later, on January 23, 2000, Thomas’ career ended when he suffered two fractured vertebrae in an automobile accident that left him paralyzed. As his Kansas City Chiefs teammates and family grappled with the news of his accident, Thomas’ life took another tragic turn. On February 8, a blood clot traveled to Thomas’ lungs, instantly killing him. At the age of 33, Derrick Thomas left behind seven children.
While his life and football career were cut short, his legacy lives on and off the field today. In 2009, Thomas was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. Chief’s GM Carl Peterson spoke at his Hall of Fame induction:
As a fierce opponent, Derrick Thomas was a unique and gifted player. But he was also a unique and gifted human being. He was fun to be around, and he made the game and life around him exciting…Today we say, Derrick, this is your day. Along with your classmates of 2009, you have earned this day because of the way that you played our great game of football. You deserve this one last wonderful honor.
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Kris Zucchi has been a N.Y. sports fan since she was a kid. She’ll tell you she loves three things in this world: family, football, and finance. While the business of sports is her primary focus, she can talk about every sport, all the time!
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