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Derrick Thomas Position(s): Linebacker Jersey #(s): 58 Born: January 1, 1967(1967-01-01) Miami, Florida Died: February 8, 2000 (aged 33) Miami, Florida Career information Year(s): 1989–1999 NFL Draft: 1989 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4 College: Alabama Professional teams Kansas City Chiefs (1989-1999) Career stats Tackles 642 Records 7 sacks in 1 game 45 career forced fumbles Pro Football Hall of Fame Derrick Vincent Thomas (January 1, 1967 – February 8, 2000), nicknamed D.T., was an American football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played his entire 11-year career for the Chiefs after being drafted 4th overall in the 1989 NFL Draft. Thomas, part of the class of 2009 class entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was a premier football player throughout the 1990s and is considered one of the best pass rushers of all-time.[1] On February 8, 2000, Thomas died from severe injuries sustained in an auto accident weeks earlier. Contents [hide] 1 Early life 2 College career 3 NFL career 4 Death 4.1 Wrongful Death Lawsuit 5 Legacy Early life Born in Miami, Florida, Thomas was raised by his mother; his father, Air Force Captain and pilot Robert James Thomas, died during a mission in the Vietnam War. Thomas started playing football when he was three years old. He played high school football at South Miami Senior High School. College career One of the finest players in Alabama history, Thomas smashed many Crimson Tide defensive records, including sacks in a single season. He was awarded the Butkus Award in 1988 after a season which saw him record 27 sacks along with finishing 10th in Heisman Trophy balloting. He was also selected as a unanimous All-American at the conclusion of the 1988 season. He was awarded the Sington Soaring Spirit Award by the Lakeshore Foundation. This annual award is named for University of Alabama football legend Fred Sington. NFL career 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 his entire career. 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 fame player Bobby Bell. He would appear in nine Pro Bowls during his career. Thomas was perhaps most well | ||||
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