The Kansas City Chiefs will retire the number 58 in honor of the late Derrick Thomas, who will be inducted posthumously into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August. His number will be retired on December 6, when the Chiefs play the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.
Thomas was one of the most dominant pass rushing linebackers during his 11 seasons in the NFL. The 6′3,” 255 pound linebacker amassed 126.5 sacks over his shortened career, which is good for 11th all-time. Thomas’ dominance as a pass rusher earned him eight All-Pro selections and nine trips to the Pro Bowl.
Many forget that Thomas was also a standout at the University of Alabama. He was a unanimous All-American during his senior season, where he had 27 sacks and finished 10th in Heisman Trophy balloting. Thomas also was the Butkus Award winner for best linebacker in the nation that year.
One of his greatest moments was when he broke the single game sack record against the Seattle Seahawks on November 11, 1990. Thomas knocked Seahawks’ quarterback Dave Krieg to the turf seven times, but the Seahawks still managed to beat the Chiefs 17-16.
His career was cut short after a car accident on January 23, 2000 that left him paralyzed from the chest down. On February 8, Thomas died at the age of 33 from a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot that can develop in paralyzed regions of the body before it travels to the lungs. He was survived by his seven children.
Thomas was not only a great player off the field, but he was also a great human being off the field. He founded the Third and Long Foundation in 1990, which helps children in urban settings combat challenging and life-threatening situations through social, cultural and educational programs.
“Kindergarten to 12th grade is a third and long situation,” Thomas said of the foundation. “These grade levels often determine whether many kids make it and go on to success, or are forced into discouraging situations.”
Even though this move has been long overdue, it is great to see the Chiefs recognize one of its all-time greats.
