Ten KC Chiefs who deserve to be in Pro Football Hall of Fame

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DENVER – JANUARY 03: Linebacker Derrick Johnson #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs intercepts a pass by Kyle Orton of the Denver Broncos and returns it 45 yards for a touchdown to give the Chiefs a 27-17 lead in the third quarter during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on January 3, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. Johnson returned two Orton interceptions for touchdowns in the game as the Chiefs defeated the Broncos 44-24. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

No. 7: ILB Derrick Johnson

It took Derrick Johnson a couple seasons before he became one of the best linebackers in the league. In his fourth year in the league in 2009, Johnson found himself playing limited snaps, seeing only three starts that year. But in the season finale in Denver, Johnson scored a pair of pick-sixes, becoming the 25th player in NFL history to do so in a single game at that time. That game likely resurrected his career in Kansas City.

When defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel joined the franchise, Johnson turned into an elite linebacker. Despite a Pro Bowl snub in 2010, Johnson played lights out in helping the Chiefs rebound and win the AFC West after a 4-12 season from the year before. Johnson gained more attention after that season as he received four Pro Bowl and two All-Pro honors.

Johnson was one of the best interior linebackers during the 2010s and could one day see himself in Canton. He will be eligible for the Hall of Fame as early as 2024.

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