clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Report: Chiefs LB Zach Thomas Will Retire

130-chiefscamp_sp_081809_dre_0094f
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Zach Thomas continued his exercise on a Tuesday afternoon with players not practicing with the team due to injury at the team's training camp on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. DAVID EULITT/The Kansas City Star

Update: 7:10 PM Agent Drew Rosenhaus is denying this report.

On a day jam-packed with stunning Chiefs news, we get another.  From Adam Schefter:

Bruschi exited today, Zach Thomas next. He won't play again for Chiefs and, barring unforeseen, is finished in NFL. End for 1 more great LB.

Schefter first announced the move on ESPN's Monday Night Countdown.

As I think about it, this isn't too surprising.  Zach Thomas turns 36 years old tomorrow, in fact, and has had a history of concussions.

The Chiefs signed Thomas this offseason to add a veteran presence to a team switching to the 3-4 defense.  Todd Haley continually praised Thomas' presence with the younger players.

He played his first 12 seasons with the Miami Dolphins and last year with the Dallas Cowboys.

The final numbers on one of the best to lace 'em up:

  • Seven Pro Bowls
  • Five time All-Pro
  • 184 games (182 starts)
  • 1,106 tackles
  • 20.5 sacks
  • 17 interceptions

We wish Zach Thomas the best of luck in his post-football career and congratulate him on an outstanding 13 year career.

On a roster note, this means that the Kansas City Chiefs are down to 79 players and will only have to release four players by 3:00 PM CST tomorrow.

NEW: Join Arrowhead Pride Premier

If you love Arrowhead Pride, you won’t want to miss Pete Sweeney in your inbox each week as he delivers deep analysis and insights on the Chiefs' path to the Super Bowl.