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Reactions: Remembering Thomas Users remember No. 58 for his big plays and big heart
Posted: Tuesday February 08, 2000 09:50 PM
After the passing of Derrick Thomas, fans filled our mailbox with memories of the great No. 58. Many remembered the sack leader for his athletic accomplishments. Many more remembered him for his upbeat personality and contributions to society. A collection of some of the memories of Thomas follows:
I think that there are too many good memories to just name one. He was a gridiron giant who struck fear into opposing quarterbacks and dominated offensive lines. I hope his legacy will be remembered as a community conscious who represented all that is good in today's professional athlete. A True Role Model.
I was at the game in 1990 when Thomas got seven sacks. But what people forget is how it ended. Thomas beat the Seahawk tackle and had a clear path to QB Dave Krieg on the game's final play. Thomas got his hands on Krieg, but somehow he stayed on his feet and hit Paul Skansi with a game-winning 25-yard strike. In the press conference (I was a sports editor for a small newspaper in Kansas), Thomas spoke so eloquently of his father (a pilot who died in Vietnam). It was then clear that the then 23-year old Thomas was so much more than just a great football player.
As sad as it is to lose this great man and Chief, it's a good feeling to know that Derrick is finally soaring high above with his war hero of a father. He's in good hands now. I'll never forget you Derrick. Thanks for being a Chief.
On December 21st, Derrick came to the hospital where I work to deliver stuffed bears to the children in the pediatrics unit. After leaving the room of a terminally ill child, while everyone was conversing and visiting, I watched Derrick turn away from the crowd in an effort to compose himself. He walked away from everyone and stood looking at the wall. I started to speak to him, and just as I did, he turned and smiled, and walked away. I knew then he was a special person with a compassionate heart, but still possessed the pride of a man not wanting anyone to see him near tears. He spent nearly two hours at the hospital, and I am happy to say, I was able to shake his hand and tell him thank you. I will forever remember Derrick Thomas as a tender-hearted man that touched many lives, including my own. Thank you for shining on my life, DT.
Naturally being a Chiefs fan, I was always amazed at what Derrick accomplished on the field. As I told my son though, what he accomplished off of the field was much greater than anything on the football field. I met Derrick's mother at our Christmas party this year. She was helping serve drinks as a volunteer for a charity organization. I now know why Derrick was such a great person. He had a good mother to teach him how to be that way.
In an era of over-inflated egos, criminal behavior and all around immaturity in sports, Derrick Thomas was a class act. His huge smile and positive attitude will be how I remember him as an athlete.
Derrick Thomas was a real hero. He dealt with tough adversities in his life and became one of the best linebackers to play this game. Although I am not a Chiefs fan by nature, I am a fan of the NFL. Today the Chiefs lost a warrior, champion and leader. The NFL lost a great Ambassador from their throne. R.I.P No. 58 -- we all will miss you!
My heart and prayers go to Derrick's family. It is a great loss to Kansas City not only in football but we have lost a great human being. Many do not know how much Derrick gave of himself. I am sure over the next few weeks we will all discover how much we will miss him in both body and spirit. Our kids looked up to him. We looked up to him. He will never be forgotten!
Having followed the Chiefs for many years now, the game that comes immediately to mind was when the Chiefs played the 49ers. Derrick just beat up Steve Young all day long. I recall Derrick sacking Young in the endzone and a look of pain crossing Young's face. After the game, Young had to admit that he felt like he had been administered a butt whipping by Derrick. I am thankful that I was able to see such a great athlete every Sunday who gave his all each and every time he played. Sometimes he won and sometimes he lost, but he always bounced back to fight again. Unfortunately, he just could not bounce back from this one. God Bless you Derrick.
Besides his seven-sack game and his great speed, I always think about him in that commercial with Neil Smith. It always brings a smile to my face. He just seemed like such a nice guy. That seems to be becoming more and more rare.
I'll always remember when DT got his 100th sack. It was against one of the Chiefs' biggest rivals, Denver. The whole city went nuts that day and the next week. DT was the heart and soul of the Chiefs and KC. Now his soul will watch over the team and the city. He is our Angel. We love you always and will always remember No. 58.
I think 1999 was Derrick's best season. After the terrible performances he suffered through in 1998, causing Chief fans (including myself) to question his future, Derrick became a complete linebacker in 1999. Old No. 58 registered the most tackles in his career. What an amazing athlete. He could sack a QB with the best, and those highlights will be with us forever.
I will never forget the tenacity that Derrick Thomas displayed on the field.
Growing up, I worshiped Thomas and like most kids, pretended to be him every afternoon in the backyard. I'll miss him.
Six years ago my son Kyle was 3 and decided that he wanted to become a football fan. Being a dedicated Chiefs fan of 15 years I did the right thing and persuaded him to also become a Chiefs fan. We would watch every weekend and after a few games, he became Derrick's No. 1 fan. He would listen and look for Derrick whether defense or offense was on the field (he still didn't quite understand). I bought him a No. 58 jersey, but the smallest I could find hung well past his knees. I could hardly get it off of him long enough to wash it (he even slept in it). Six years later it still hangs big on him but he still wears it faithfully and proudly. When he was 3, I asked him if he was going to play football like Derrick when he got bigger. His response was "I'm going to be Derrick Thomas!" As a mother, it would make me proud to have my son grow up to be another Derrick!
I don't think that Derrick Thomas' best moments were on the field. He had fame and fortune, and he knew how to use it. He was involved in many charity organizations and he helped those less fortunate. I think Derrick Thomas is much more than a great football player, he was a wonderful person and he will be missed.
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