Deron Cherry is a former American football player who played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL) for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was born on September 12, 1959, in Riverside, New Jersey, and attended Rutgers University, where he played college football.
Cherry was not drafted by any NFL team after college, but he was signed as a free agent by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1981. He quickly established himself as a key player on the team's defense, and he became known for his hard-hitting style and his ability to make interceptions.
Over the course of his career, Cherry played in six Pro Bowls and was named to the All-Pro team five times. He was also a three-time team captain for the Chiefs and was widely regarded as one of the best safeties in the NFL during his playing days.
Cherry's best season came in 1986, when he recorded a career-high nine interceptions and helped lead the Chiefs to the playoffs. He also had a memorable game in 1987, when he intercepted four passes in a single game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Cherry retired from the NFL after the 1991 season, having played in 138 games and recorded 50 interceptions. He was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Rutgers University Hall of Fame in 1997.
After his playing career, Cherry became involved in business and philanthropy. He founded the Deron Cherry Foundation, which provides scholarships and other support to underprivileged children in the Kansas City area. He also served as a member of the Kansas City Sports Commission and was involved in various other charitable organizations.
Overall, Deron Cherry had a successful football career and was widely respected both on and off the field. He remains a beloved figure in the Kansas City community and is remembered as one of the greatest players in Chiefs history.
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