Derrick Johnson is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He was born on November 22, 1982, in Waco, Texas, and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played college football for the Texas Longhorns.
Johnson was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft, and he spent his entire professional career with the team. He quickly established himself as one of the best linebackers in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors four times and being named a first-team All-Pro once.
Throughout his career, Johnson was known for his speed, athleticism, and ability to make plays all over the field. He was equally adept at stopping the run and defending against the pass, and he was a key part of the Chiefs' defense for many years.
In addition to his individual accolades, Johnson was also a team leader and a fan favorite in Kansas City. He helped lead the Chiefs to several playoff appearances, including an AFC Championship Game appearance in 2018.
Despite his success on the field, Johnson's career was not without its challenges. He suffered several injuries throughout his career, including a torn Achilles tendon in 2014 that many thought would end his career. However, he was able to come back from the injury and continue playing at a high level for several more years.
In 2018, Johnson was released by the Chiefs and signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he played in his final season before retiring from the NFL. He finished his career with 1,151 tackles, 27.5 sacks, 14 interceptions, and four touchdowns.
Off the field, Johnson was known for his philanthropic work and his commitment to giving back to the community. He established the Derrick Johnson Defend the Dream Foundation, which provides educational and leadership opportunities for underprivileged youth in Kansas City.
Overall, Derrick Johnson had a successful and memorable career in the NFL, and he will be remembered as one of the best linebackers of his generation.
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