Derrick Thomas, Class of 2009

Derrick Thomas 01

The Kansas City Chiefs selected linebacker Derrick Thomas as the fourth player overall in the 1989 National Football League Draft.

Derrick Thomas 02

In only his second season, he recorded a league-leading and team record 20 sacks.

Derrick Thomas 03

That total included an NFL record seven sacks in a game versus the Seattle Seahawks on November 11, 1990.

Derrick Thomas 04

Thomas earned his first All-Pro recognition for his efforts during the 1990 season. He would achive the honor two more times during his career.

Derrick Thomas 05

Thomas' lone interception, which he returned for 20 yards, came during his final season in 1999.

Derrick Thomas 06

Thomas also forced 45 fumbles, had 19 fumble recoveries, scored four touchdowns on fumble returns and added three safeties.

Derrick Thomas 07

Thomas, a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1990s, was named first-team All-AFC seven times during an eight-year stretch from 1989 through 1996.

Derrick Thomas 08

In the 11 years that Thomas anchored the defense, the Chiefs finished first or second in the AFC West ten times, made seven playoff appearances, and won three division titles.

Derrick Thomas 09

Thomas earned 9 consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl (1990-98).