This weekend, former Kansas City Chiefs LB and current NFL Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas will have his No. 58 jersey retired to commemorate his unbelievable career in the NFL. It's an honor few have been given and it's especially exciting for all the fans (like myself) who became fans within the last 20 years.
The Chiefs have issued a press release and they want you to wear your No. 58.
"LB Derrick Thomas will have his jersey #58 retired by the Chiefs and the Pro Football Hall of Fame will make a special presentation to the Thomas family during a halftime ceremony at Arrowhead on Sunday. Fans are encouraged to wear their #58 jerseys as the Chiefs organization honors Thomas’ memory and gives all Chiefs supporters an opportunity to recognize the Hall of Fame career of one of Kansas City’s finest players."
In Chiefs style, the release also highlights DT's work off-the-field.
"A stalwart in the Kansas City community, Thomas was named the ‘93 NFL Man of the Year for his philanthropic efforts. Thomas’ "Third and Long Foundation" is still active in the Kansas City community, continuing the reading and scholarship programs he began. The "Third and Long Foundation" celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2009, with Thomas’ longtime friend and teammate, DE Neil Smith, serving as the driving force of the organization. In June of 2001, the Derrick Thomas Academy, a tuition-free public charter school was launched in Kansas City. The academy is the first-ever public elementary school named after an NFL hero."
Thomas will be the 10th player in franchise history to have his jersey retired, joining kicker Jan Stenerud (No. 3), quarterback Len Dawson (No. 16), cornerback Emmitt Thomas (No. 18), running back Abner Haynes (No. 28), running back Stone Johnson (No. 33), running back Mack Lee Hill (No. 36), linebacker Willie Lanier (No. 63), linebacker Bobby Bell (No. 78) and defensive tackle Buck Buchanan (No. 86).