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Ranking the top 25 Kansas City Chiefs players this decade

By Farzin Vousoughian

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with tight end Travis Kelce #87 after scoring a second quarter rushing touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with tight end Travis Kelce #87 after scoring a second quarter rushing touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 15: Linebacker Derrick Johnson #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs defends against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 15, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 29-13. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 15: Linebacker Derrick Johnson #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs defends against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 15, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 29-13. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

4. ILB Derrick Johnson

Derrick Johnson’s career got off to an incredibly slow start. But on January 3, 2010, Johnson was able to end a rough 2009 season and start the decade on a strong note. Johnson helped the Chiefs defense get two interceptions, taking them both back for touchdowns, ending his day with 105 return yards off interceptions. Johnson joined former Chiefs defenders Lloyd Burruss and Jim Kearney for most interception touchdowns in a game. Johnson is also one of 28 players to own the record for most pick-sixes in a game. That was the start of a new Derrick Johnson.

With the help of then-defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, Johnson quickly evolved into one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Johnson became a forced to be reckoned with.

In 2015, Johnson surpassed Gary Spani for most tackles in franchise history, beating Spani’s record of 999. Johnson set the bar high, placing the tackle total at 1,151.

Johnson earned All-Pro honors twice while going to four Pro Bowls. He won the Pro Bowl Defensive MVP in 2013.

One reason for Johnson’s slow start to his career could be due to the amount of coaching changes early in his career. Johnson played for three different defensive coordinators and three different head coaches in the first six seasons of his career.

Regardless, Johnson showed the ability to overcome adversity by grinding through and eventually having a hand all over the team’s defense, becoming an impact player and a leader for his teammates to lean on.

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