KC Chiefs first round history feature some of the franchise's all-time greats

KC Chiefs first round history feature some of the franchise’s all-time greats

Quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates with teammates on the podium after winning Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on February 2, 2020. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Kansas City Chiefs Derrick Thomas in action during the 2002 NFL season. (Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

#2 – Derrick Thomas, Linebacker

I know I am not alone in saying that Derrick Thomas is the reason I fell in love with football, and with the Kansas City Chiefs. His NFL record setting game against the Seattle Seahawks in 1990 is my first football memory.

The Chiefs selected the Alabama All-American with the 4th overall selection in the 1989 draft, they paired him with 1988 1st round pick Neil Smith and the rest was history.

Thomas would win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 1989 after recording 10 sacks. He added 20 more in his 1990 campaign and was off to the races. He finished his career with 126.5 sacks, which still ranks as 17th all time in NFL history.

In addition to being one of the best edge rushers in history, Derrick Thomas was highly effective at the strip-sack and recorded 41 total sacks in his 11 year NFL career. He was nine consecutive Pro Bowls and was a two-time 1st Team All-Pro selection.

We’ve previously broken down some of Thomas’ greatest games; and would encourage you to check them out for an incredible stroll down memory lane.

Thomas tragically passed away due to complications from a car accident in February 2000, cutting his Hall of Fame career short.

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