Chiefs to retire Derrick Thomas' jersey

Sports Network | June 23, 2009

Kansas City, MO (Sports Network) - The Kansas City Chiefs revealed on Tuesday that the club will retire the jersey of former linebacker Derrick Thomas during the upcoming season.

Thomas, who wore number 58 with the team, was the Chiefs' fourth-overall selection in the 1989 draft out of the University of Alabama, and played all 11 of his pro seasons in Kansas City. He is the 10th member of the Chiefs franchise to be so honored.

The team will honor Thomas during a ceremony at Arrowhead Stadium during halftime of the contest against Denver on December 6.

The native of Miami recorded more sacks than any player in the entire decade of the 1990's (116 1/2), while establishing a single-season franchise record for total sacks with 20 in 1990 and setting an NFL single-game record of seven sacks against Seattle in November, 1990.

In all, Thomas recorded 126 1/2 sacks with one interception in 169 contests. He is set to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this August.

Just weeks after the conclusion of the 1999 season, Thomas was seriously injured in a car accident in Kansas City. He passed away a little more than two weeks later in his hometown.

One year later, Thomas was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame, and the team's most valuable player award now bears his name.