Ranking the KC Chiefs Pro Football Hall of Fame members

Kansas City Chiefs Derrick Thomas in action during the 2002 NFL season. (Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
Kansas City Chiefs Derrick Thomas in action during the 2002 NFL season. (Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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Kansas City Chiefs, Emmitt Thomas
KANSAS CITY – OCTOBER 8: Defensive Emmitt Thomas #18 of the Kansas City Chiefs tries to block the kick of placekicker Gene Mingo #21 of the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter of a game on October 8, 1967 at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. JV671008-43 (Photo by: John Vawter Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

#8 – Emmitt Thomas, Cornerback – Class of 2008

As one of the all-time great Kansas City Chiefs players, Emmitt Thomas began his NFL career inauspiciously. After graduating from Bishop College, Thomas was not selected in any team’s draft but signed on as a free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Thomas would quickly become one of the best cornerbacks in the AFL and arguably one of the best of the era in which he played. The only season in which he didn’t intercept a pass was his rookie season, and he ended his career with 58 total. This still ranks first in Chiefs history, and ties him for 12th in NFL history.

Thomas’ highlights include a nine interception season in 1969 in which he helped the Chiefs clinch their third AFL Championship and first Super Bowl. In that game Thomas picked off quarterback Joe Knapp en route to the team’s dominant victory over the Vikings.

Thomas continued to excel throughout his career, with his best season coming in his ninth with Kansas City. In that 1974 season Thomas lead the NFL in interceptions with 12, interception return yards with 214, and touchdowns with two.

Thomas finished his career as a five-time All Star, three-time AFL champion, and one-time world champion. His playmaking ability is arguably unrivaled in Chiefs history in the defensive backfield and his place is well-deserved on this list.

“I could get the football. I had great ball skills and speed.” – Emmitt Thomas