Chiefs Legend to Receive Major Posthumous Honor Ahead of Broncos Game in Week 6

The late Chiefs legend Derrick Thomas will be posthumously honored with a Ring of Excellence by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a pregame ceremony before Chiefs vs. Broncos on Thursday Night Football this week.

Thomas' family will be presented with his Ring of Excellence during the ceremony, which will commemorate Thomas' legacy and contributions to the Kansas City Chiefs and NFL at large.

Derrick Thomas Ring of Excellence Pregame Ceremony

During an illustrious and decorated 11-year career with the Chiefs, Thomas compiled an astonishing 126.5 sacks while forcing 41 fumbles and recovering 19.

He is widely regarded as one of the most dominant and greatest defensive players of all-time, amassing nine Pro Bowl selections and setting the record for most sacks in a single game with seven against the Seahawks in 1990.

Thomas' honor is long overdue. The Pro Football Hall of Fame previously only gave living players the Ring of Excellence, but the policy was revised last November to pave the way for celebrations like this one.

The Ring of Excellence itself is set in 14K gold and carries a total diamond weight of 1.75 carats. It's a sight to behold, with several details paying homage to the significance of the honor and Thomas' contributions to the game, including a likeness of his Bronzed Bust sitting in the Hall of Fame.

Clark Hunt, Betty Brown (President of Thomas' Third and Long Foundation), and former teammate and fellow Chiefs legend Neil Smith will accept the Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence on the field prior to the game.

Thomas' impact on the NFL, and specifically the Chiefs, will never be forgotten. He'll always be one of the greatest athletes in Kansas City's history and it's a blessing that he'll finally be honored with the Ring of Excellence he's always deserved.

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