Kansas City Chiefs players honor Derrick Johnson on social media

The Kansas City Chiefs officially said goodbye to Derrick Johnson on Tuesday as they allow him to hit free agency. His teammates paid tribute in response.

The Kansas City Chiefs are saying more than a few difficult goodbyes this offseason as they transition from one era to another. Earlier this month they traded away their starting quarterback for the last five seasons in Alex Smith. Rumors are swirling that Tamba Hali could be released this offseason. Another tough pill for fans to swallow came on Tuesday with the announcement that Derrick Johnson’s tenure with the team had come to an end.

The Chiefs released a statement to the media on Tuesday explaining that Johnson’s contract is up and that they would allow their star inside linebacker to hit free agency. After 13 seasons with the team, Johnson is the franchise’s all-time leading tackler and has been a well-round staple and team leader in the middle since 2005. However, last season was the first year he looked legitimately slower than previous seasons as he worked his way back from an Achilles tear, and it’s clear the Chiefs have decided to move on.

Johnson was, of course, a class act about the entire transaction, thanking the Chiefs and fans for the support over the years. There’s simply no doubt that the Chiefs will one day soon bring him back to honor him with a place in the team’s Ring of Honor.

In the meanwhile, several of his teammates took to social media to share their memories and well wishes as Johnson tries to extend his career for “several more years” with another team.