Derrick Thomas

Derrick Thomas (January 1 1967 – February 8 2000) was a NFL linebacker who played for the Kansas City Chiefs. Born in Miami, Thomas was raised by his mother, as his father died during a mission in the Vietnam War. A standout at the University of Alabama, Thomas was selected in the first round of the 1989 NFL draft, fourth overall, and was signed by the Chiefs. He would remain with the Chiefs for the entirety of his career.

Related Topics:
January 1 - 1967 - February 8 - 2000 - NFL - Linebacker - Kansas City Chiefs - Miami - Vietnam War - University of Alabama - NFL draft

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thomas's rookie year was very successful, earning him Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Sporting News, and was the first Chiefs' linebacker to be elected to the Pro Bowl in his first season since hall of famer Bobby Bell. He would appear in nine.

Related Topics:
Sporting News - Pro Bowl - Bobby Bell

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Arguably one of the best defensive players in NFL history, and one of the most highly visible Chiefs players, Thomas was known best for his high sack totals. His career total sacks amounted to 126.5, of which 7 occurred in a single game, against Seattle's Dave Krieg in 1990, which is an NFL record. He ranks fifth all-time in Chiefs history with 649 career tackles, and is one of only 16 players to achieve more than 100 sacks.

Related Topics:
Seattle - Dave Krieg - 1990

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On January 23, 2000, Thomas was severely injured in an car wreck, while driving on I-435 on his way to Kansas City International Airport, where he was going to fly to St. Louis to watch the NFC championship game. The accident, which occurred when Thomas lost control of the SUV he was driving due to the icy road, left him with debilitating spinal cord injuries, that may have been prevented if he was wearing a seatbelt. He died on February 8, 2000, in Miami, due to a massive pulmonary embolism related to his injuries.

Related Topics:
January 23 - 2000 - Car wreck - I-435 - Kansas City International Airport - Spinal cord - February 8 - Pulmonary embolism

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After his death, Thomas was elected to the Kansas City Chiefs hall of fame in 2001. He was eligible for NFL Hall of Fame election in 2005, his first year of eligibilty. However, he did not receive the required amount of votes and must wait until 2006 for another shot at posthumous enshrinement.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~