Kansas City Chiefs to Retire Derrick Thomas' #58 Jersey

by Joel Thorman on Jun 23, 2009 8:00 PM CDT in 2009 Offseason Comment 50 comments

A bit overdue, no?

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Tuesday the team will officially retire the jersey of the late Derrick Thomas. #58 is special to so many Kansas Citians for his work on and off the field.

The family of Derrick Thomas will receive his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring at the December 6th game against the Denver Broncos. Fitting, if you ask me considering former Broncos quarterback John Elway was sacked by DT 14 times in Arrowhead.

Thomas will join the following members of the Chiefs retired jersey club:

K Jan Stenerud (3), QB Len Dawson (16), CB Emmitt Thomas (18), RB Abner Haynes (28), RB Stone Johnson (33), RB Mack Lee Hill (36), LB Willie Lanier (63), LB Bobby Bell (78) and DT Buck Buchanan (86)

DT holds a myriad of NFL records including sacks in a single game (7) and sacks in the 1990s (116.5). The team's MVP award is named after the late linebacker.

Here's a little more on DT from the mothership:

Truly one of the most dominant players of his era, Thomas produced 27 multi-sack games during his NFL tenure. From ‘92-99, the Chiefs were an astounding 16-1 when Thomas registered 2.0 or more sacks.

He was also the key figure in Kansas City’s record-setting ‘95 defensive unit that ranked in the NFL’s top five in scoring defense (1st), total defense (2nd), rushing defense (3rd) and pass defense (5th) as the Chiefs posted a 13-3 regular season record for the first time in team history.

He was admitted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2001, one year after his death in 2000.

DT will be the 16th player who has had some affiliation with the Chiefs to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He'll join:

Marcus Allen, Joe Montana, Bobby Bell, Buck Buchanon, Len Dawson, Lamar Hunt, Willie Lanier, Warren Moon, Marv Levy, Jan Stenerud, Hank Stram, Emmitt Thomas and Mike Webster.

Carl Peterson will be the presenter when Derrick Thomas is inducted into the Hall of Fame on August 8th in Canton, Ohio.

Congratulations to Derrick Thomas and the Chiefs for a job well done.

H/T NJChiefsFan in the FanShots for the link and for this awesome video of DT below. Enjoy!

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Comments

thats so awesome! R.I.P DT#58
its about damn time!
GO CHIEFS!!!

by kcchiefsfan56 on Jun 23, 2009 8:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Should've done it a long time ago!!!

Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.

by maveric_87 on Jun 23, 2009 8:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Who's making the decision?

Question is to Steve down below as well.

Would it be the GM? That’s what I’m assuming…I don’t know who else it would be. Maybe Clark Hunt.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Jun 23, 2009 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well they are all morons for taking so long!

Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.

by maveric_87 on Jun 23, 2009 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see what you're saying

But I do wonder who’s making the decision. It would be interesting to see the reasoning why Carl didn’t do it in the eight years he was employed by the Chiefs after DT died, and why Pioli did it within his first six months of being hired.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Jun 23, 2009 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's because Piloli is a G

Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.

by maveric_87 on Jun 23, 2009 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pioli. Sorry

Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.

by maveric_87 on Jun 23, 2009 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Two Guesses

One, maybe the Chiefs wanted to wait until he got into the Hall of Fame. The other is that Pioli in his second year with the Patriots retired Bruce Armstrong’s number only one year after Armstrong hung up the cleats. I don’t know if any of that means anything. Could just be a different philosophy. The underlining issue could be DT’s family wishes. I don’t think this was happening against the family wishes though, after all, they picked Carl to do DT’s introduction.

A person in good health in a Western liberal democracy is, in terms of his objective circumstances, one of the most fortunate human beings ever to have walked the surface of the earth.

by schraggyj on Jun 23, 2009 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why did Carl not do this a Damn long time ago?

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 23, 2009 8:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

A Father thought maybe.

You are so proud of your children But you want someone else to validate them. love I guess?

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 23, 2009 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am Soooo looking forward to Carl's introduction speech as well as DT's sons.

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 23, 2009 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Get ready

for a tears from Peterson, I believe. He loved DT.

by KCMizzou on Jun 23, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Carls will not be the only ones shed.

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 23, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That video is awesome

I love that so many of the sacks in the video are against Elway.

It’s too bad that none of our linebackers or d-linemen seem to play with DT’s intensity (at least not since Jared Allen left).

by smg49 on Jun 23, 2009 8:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I know its a little off topic, and DT needs his praise.

If Jan Stenerud jersey is retired so does Nick Lowery. Just saying…

All Hail #58

by ravenhawk on Jun 23, 2009 8:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Weird

I was just wondering about this today actually. I guess I’m going to have to go against the grain here, and say that 10 years is an appropriate amount of time to wait to retire a number.

by KCMizzou on Jun 23, 2009 8:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Not when the question is of a player that has passed,

And not when that palyer was instrumental in bringing the Franchise back from obscurity.
In Fact the Face of the Franchise. 2-3 years would have been appopriate.

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 23, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.

by maveric_87 on Jun 23, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just think...

that it would be to reactionist to retire the number of a player who passed. I think it’s much more genuine this way. It’s seem much more about the fact of how he was such a great player. I think if you give it up quickly, it just makes it about the fact that he died. As I said up top, Carl absolutely loved DT. I think he saw it the same way I am.

by KCMizzou on Jun 23, 2009 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Derrick Thomas was a Great player whether he entered the Pro HOF or not.

He had been a Great Player and to the world a Great Ambassador of the KC Chiefs for many years before he died. NOONE would have said the Chiefs should not have retired his number at any time prior to now.

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 23, 2009 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I won't disagree

that no one would have had an issue if this would have happened sooner. Nor would I have an issue with it if it would have happened sooner. As I said, I was just wondering today when it was going to happen.

by KCMizzou on Jun 23, 2009 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry

We don’t bite but I just Barked. DT cuts deep in all, but for those that lived in the wasteland of late 70’s and 80’s Chiefs, DT was Moses that led us to a promised land that has as of yet denied us another SB.

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 23, 2009 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not a surprise.

Just a matter of time. I’m glad they waited till he got in the Hall.

How many US Open runner ups have you blazed with? Way to go, Ricky Barnes.

by HIV 2 Elway on Jun 23, 2009 9:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Can you...

explain your thing about Barnes at the bottom? I’m not getting it, but I’d like to.

by KCMizzou on Jun 23, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Know him from undergrad...

spent the better part of three years abusing substances at the house and shared horseshoe pit next to his and three other U of Ale jocks’ pad. Barnes and 2 lesser golfers as well as b-baller Big Stick Rick Anderson. He was living next door when he won the US Amateur, players getting paid now. Bear Down!

How many US Open runner ups have you blazed with? Way to go, Ricky Barnes.

by HIV 2 Elway on Jun 23, 2009 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

From ‘92-99, the Chiefs were an astounding 16-1 when Thomas registered 2.0 or more sacks.

Kinda ironic that the only loss that the Chiefs had with Thomas registering 2 or more sacks in a game was the game that he set the record.

by ravenhawk on Jun 23, 2009 9:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dave Kreig was some kinda shifty. Nahhhh

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 23, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only reason they lost

Is because Thomas slid off Kriegs shoulder pads and missed the 8th sack on the last play of the game. Krieg then threw a TD. I watched that game a little while ago….hell of a game.

by Zodeman on Jun 24, 2009 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If anyone wants to see this game...

look here. November 11, 1990

I've been rapping for about seveteen years okay? I don't write my stuff anymore I just kick it from my head you know what I'm sayin? I can do that. No disrespect but that's how I am.

by soybon on Jun 24, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have always wished we could have

seen the 95 defense and the 2003 offense at the same time, that team would have been out of this world.

Herm is gone things are better with that one move!!

by bringbacktheglory on Jun 23, 2009 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yikes that team would've kicked ass. Maybe throw Montana in there instead of Green lol

Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.

by maveric_87 on Jun 23, 2009 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

shouldn’t it be 16th hall of famer with chiefs affiliation? I think you missed joe montana.

by supernova on Jun 23, 2009 9:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes

I fixed it, thanks. I even had him on my list here.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Jun 23, 2009 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We need more guys now...

Who just want to go out and “rip peoples faces off”.

by GenericBrand on Jun 23, 2009 10:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You want Jux to be a Chief?

Paratrooper?
Me tooooo:)

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 23, 2009 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I might have the build of Brokie

:So i probably wouldn’t last long. But id make a hell of a tee boy. Id sprint my ass off out on to the field with my war face and yelling and screaming the whole way. Id be fierce and if anybody touched my damn tee I would blow em up with the hardest hit i could.

Don't blame me, I voted for content of character.

by paratrooper on Jun 24, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm ready to go...

But Pioli won’t return any of my calls. Maybe its because I haven’t played since Highschool.

I’ll just stick to heckling Donkey/Raider Fans and making charger fans cry.

"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"

by Jux on Jun 24, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or like this

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 23, 2009 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is no criteria for retiring a players Jersey in the NFL

It is left to the discretion of the team itself. Some teams like the Cowboys do not offically retire jerseys, but it is understood that certain numbers will not be issued any longer (Roger Staubach, Bob Lily, etc.)

I honestly believe in this case that the decision was made solely by the Hunt family, due to the fact that Pioli was just hired.

This is a rarity folks. The last time the Chiefs retired a number was for someone that played in the 70’s. 30 years ago. If you can get to the game, be there, it’s something you may not see again for another 30 years.

Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...

Order your Arrowhead Pride Wolf Pack T-shirt at ARROWHEAD ATTITUDE

by oldchiefsfan on Jun 23, 2009 11:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just want to put my two cents in........

He should have been in a long time ago……He’s part of what I said in another post…..Football was great at one time. It still is, but not like the 70’s & 80’s. I’m too young to remember the 60’s, but I’ll bet there are some who could tell me some real good stories of the KC, Raiders rivalry. DT was and is an inspiration. His family must be real proud……..

by Raidermomo64 on Jun 23, 2009 11:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for stopping by Raidermomo

And welcome to AP.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Jun 23, 2009 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 23, 2009 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Raiders are another team that doesn't offically retire numbers

Davis has never given his consent to do so.

Props to Otto, Blanda, Biletnikoff, and Upshaw.

Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...

Order your Arrowhead Pride Wolf Pack T-shirt at ARROWHEAD ATTITUDE

by oldchiefsfan on Jun 23, 2009 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

After all this time...

I cant believe it still hurts to watch him… all hail No.58!

by Chief_Argo on Jun 23, 2009 11:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I Miss My Friend DT!

by 58 was my friend on Jun 24, 2009 12:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

God Bless DT. In Chiefs Fan's Hearts for all eternity

Forever in my our hearts. #58 soldiers for all time!

Can't wait to put my pads on a Raider, My Helmet on a Hater. I'm the Arrowhead Gladiator!!

by ArrowheadGladiator on Jun 24, 2009 12:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I only hope...

…that the donkeys aren’t stomping us on the day the ceremony occurs.

I agree that this is long overdue, but clearly it seems as if they wanted to wait until he hit the hall of fame before doing it.

by GonzosDirtyTrailer on Jun 24, 2009 6:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It's about time

I did not know D.T. personally, but I wish I did. When he passed, I was heart broken but as a fan was proud of Him and knew two things. #1) He was going to the H.O.F. and #2) His number would be retired. Recently it has been asked what the Chiefs need this year to improve… The answer is we need D.T.

is it me? or isn't about time the Lamar Hunt trophy belonged to His team?

by KC Fanatic on Jun 24, 2009 8:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

just thought I'd repost this here if anybody was intereted

Click for the original post from March 29.

I've been rapping for about seveteen years okay? I don't write my stuff anymore I just kick it from my head you know what I'm sayin? I can do that. No disrespect but that's how I am.

by soybon on Jun 24, 2009 12:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs