We are 58 days away from the Kansas City Chiefs‘ season-opening game against the Denver Broncos
on “Monday Night Football” in Week 1.The No. 58 uniform is arguably the most iconic in team history, especially among the tried-and-true fans. It was worn by the late, great Derrick Thomas, and hasn’t been donned since the final season of Kansas City’s all-time sacks leader’s Hall of Fame career, 1999.
The nine-time Pro Bowl, two-time first-team All-Pro outside linebacker is the centerpiece of some of Chiefs
fans’ greatest memories at Arrowhead Stadium. He was a representation of the crowd advantage, using the deafening roar on a key down to elevate his first-step quickness from elite to unstoppable.
His talent helped him become an icon, but the 1993 Walter Payton “Man of the Year” was beloved by Kansas City for more than his play.
Remembering Derrick Thomas (1967 – 2000)
In January of 2000, a devastating car accident left Thomas partially paralyzed, and weeks away from tragically passing away due to blood clotting.
The Kansas City community felt the loss, as proven by the countless fans who visited his casket at Arrowhead Stadium to mourn, morning until night. One quote published by the Associated Press from that day sums it up well, via Chiefs team historian Bob Moore.
“This is the saddest day in Kansas City sports history,” said Steve Warczarkoski of Kansas City, Kansas. “My favorite football player of all time.”
Share any memories you may have from Thomas’ life in the comments!
