Derrick Johnson’s most memorable moments with the Kansas City Chiefs

After a successful 13-year career in Kansas City, we take a look back at some of Derrick Johnson’s best moments with the Chiefs.

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Tuesday afternoon that 13-year inside linebacker Derrick Johnson will become a free agent for the first time in his career.

It was no secret that Johnson started off slow, but he finished strong and earned himself a spot in the future in the Chiefs Ring of Honor and in the team’s Hall of Honor.

Johnson became the all-time leading tackler in franchise history with 1,151, passing Gary Spani, who held the record at 999. Johnson was voted to the Pro Bowl four times, earning a defensive MVP in one of them.

Being drafted 15th overall coming out of the University of Texas, Johnson became the third Butkus Award winner to play for the Chiefs, joining Derrick Thomas and Percy Snow. He started every game for the Chiefs in 2005, the first Chiefs player to start all 16 games during his rookie campaign in the last 20 years.

Johnson won the Mack Lee Hill Award, given to the team’s best rookie. Johnson also earned the Derrick Thomas Award in 2011, the team MVP award voted by his peers.

Despite playing for five different head coaches and five different defensive coordinators, Johnson managed to work through those obstacles by staying focused on the field and getting better throughout his career.

Johnson brought many great seasons, a few playoff appearances and a couple of record-setting moments in his career. Here we take a look back at some of the highlights in his career in Kansas City.