Late professional football linebacker Derrick Thomas played for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League from 1989 to 1999.
On January 31, 2009, Thomas was selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was inducted on August 8, 2009. Thomas' son, 19-year-old Derrion Thomas, attended the ceremony in Canton, Ohio.Kansas City Star: Derrick Thomas Elected to Hall of Fame http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/1369469.html
Brief Biography
After playing college football with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Thomas was selected fourth overall in the 1989 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent his entire career with the Chiefs, setting franchise records for sacks, safeties, fumble recoveries and forced fumbles.Official Site of the Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Thomas
On January 23, 2000, Thomas was involved in a serious car accident while driving to catch a flight from Kansas City to the AFC Championship Game. He was hospitalized after the accident, which left him partially paralyzed. Thomas died unexpectedly 16 days later from a pulmonary embolism.The New York Times: Chiefs' Thomas Dies Unexpectedly During Hospital Stay
References
Fast Facts
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Full name
Derrick Vincent Thomas
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Born
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High school
South Miami Senior High School
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College
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Won the Dick Butkus Award in 1988Pro Football Hall of Fame: Derrick Thomas
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Selected fourth overall in the 1989 NFL draftPro Football Hall of Fame: Derrick Thomas
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Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1989Pro Football Hall of Fame: Derrick Thomas
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Three-time All-NFL, seven-time All-AFCPro Football Hall of Fame: Derrick Thomas
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Only NFL player to record seven sacks in a single gamePro Football Hall of Fame: Derrick Thomas
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