Top 5 KC Chiefs By The Decade: The 90’s

Outside linebacker Derrick Thomas #58 of the Kansas City Chiefs – Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /

Number 1: Derrick Thomas

I mean, Duh!

DT was down right amazing and is arguably the greatest draft pick in Kansas City history. He changed the game in terms of what view as pass rushers today. He was known for his dynamic first step, allowing him to be the first one off the snap of the ball and often giving him an advantage over opposing offensive tackles.

His “sack and strip” move is still modeled and studied by outside linebackers in today’s NFL. I mean it was literally an art form to watch DT get after opposing quarterbacks.

His seven sack game against Seattle in 1989 is still the mark for the most individual sacks in a single game. His 126.5 career sacks is the most in team history and 14th all time in league history.

Thomas was named to nine Pro-Bowls before his life was tragically shortened by a car accident left him paralyzed from the waste down. Roughly about a month after the accident, Thomas died due to blood clots from his paralysis.

He was inducted into the pro-football Hall of Fame in 2009, putting the final cap on an illustrious career with the Chiefs.