NFL legend Emmitt Thomas announced his retirement from the game he loved on Tuesday and the response was overwhelming.
Emmitt Thomas is a living legend, not only in Kansas City but across the entire National Football League. That’s what happens when a player intercepts 58 passes in his 13-year career with the Chiefs, making the Pro Football Hall of Fame. That, of course, doesn’t even include his 38 total years of coaching.
On Tuesday, Thomas, who is now 75-years-old, said goodbye to a sport that first accepted him in his early twenties. The long road has been good to Thomas—including three Super Bowl rings, one as a player with the Chiefs and two more as a Washington Redskins coach with Joe Gibbs. Yet the five-time, first-team All Pro has given so much as well, especially in K.C.
Thomas made a statement on Tuesday thanking those who gave him the chance to play football and to the Hunt family, who own the Chiefs.
"“I have been blessed and honored to be a part of the NFL for the last 51 years,” Thomas said. “My journey started in Kansas City, and by the grace of God I am able to end my NFL career here as well. I would like to thank the Hunt family and the Chiefs organization for all that they have done for me in my special days here in Kansas City.”"
Thomas wasn’t the only one to make a statement. Several Chiefs, past and present, along with NFL personnel also spoke out on social media to pay respect to the Hall of Famer on this special day.
One of the best to ever do it! #respect✔️ https://t.co/6OljzdLGJy
— Ron Parker (@ghost_0836) February 13, 2019
Legend!!💪🏽 https://t.co/pN0Btkg4Fh
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 13, 2019
Legend 💪🏿 https://t.co/Ei5Z9DsBSq
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) February 13, 2019
— Charcandrick West (@Charcandrick26) February 13, 2019
Former Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers was a part of one of the NFL’s best cornerback duos in the league with Brandon Carr, who came in and started together as rookies from day one. Thomas was instrumental in helping those guys lock down the secondary from the outset.
Was a pleasure E.T. https://t.co/tdJirqmHkp
— Brandon Flowers (@BFlowers24) February 13, 2019
Even some NFL media members weighed in with their favorite stories of watching or being around Thomas over the years.
One of my fave Emmitt Thomas stories: he was working with the Falcons in 2007, I was covering them. Saw him at the facility returning from Darrelle Revis Pro Day. ET said Revis would be the best player in the draft “but we ain’t drafting him.” #DEJamaalAnderson #ETwasright
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) February 13, 2019
The @Chiefs announced Emmitt Thomas' retirement today
— Mike Sando (@SandoNFL) February 13, 2019
What a career:
181 games played
58 INTs
Plus 7 playoff games
Plus 5 playoff INTs
5X Pro Bowl
Super Bowl champ
2X AFL champ
Pro Football HOF
Chiefs HOF
38 years as NFL coach
Elite!
Emmitt Thomas was before his time as a player—6’2” CB in the 1960’s. 58 career INT. Undrafted out of Bishop College. He was Richard Sherman 40 years before Richard Sherman. Also one of the most humble men that I ever had the honor of working with. https://t.co/XiF1Em8QQa
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 13, 2019
With #Chiefs defensive backs coach Emmitt Thomas announcing his retirement, it's worth remembering what fellow Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins said about this former coach:
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) February 13, 2019
"He would not let me settle for good. He saw greatness in me that I did not see." https://t.co/tbcvfiwbES