Derrick Thomas was a professional American football player who played as a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was born on January 1, 1967, in Miami, Florida, and grew up in Alabama. Thomas was a standout athlete in high school and college, where he played football for the University of Alabama.
Thomas was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the best linebackers in the league, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors during his career. He was also named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1993.
Thomas was known for his speed and agility on the field, as well as his ability to rush the quarterback. He set an NFL record for most sacks in a single game with seven in a 1990 game against the Seattle Seahawks. He finished his career with 126.5 sacks, which ranks ninth all-time in NFL history.
Off the field, Thomas was known for his charitable work and community involvement. He founded the Derrick Thomas/Neil Smith Third and Long Foundation, which provided assistance to disadvantaged youth in Kansas City. He was also involved in numerous other charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Special Olympics.
Tragically, Thomas' career and life were cut short when he was involved in a car accident on January 23, 2000. He was paralyzed from the chest down as a result of the accident and died on February 8, 2000, from complications related to his injuries. He was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
Overall, Derrick Thomas was a dominant force on the football field and a beloved figure in the Kansas City community. His legacy lives on through his charitable work and the impact he had on the game of football.
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