Derrick Johnson Appreciation Post
Today is the former Chiefs linebacker’s birthday. There’s no better day to recap his great career.
By: Justin Miles (@justm1les)
Happy birthday to Kansas City Chiefs legend, Derrick Johnson! Johnson is regarded as one of the best linebackers in Chiefs history. Let’s take a look at his legendary career.
Derrick Johnson played for the University of Texas in college. While there, he became one of the greatest college linebackers of all time. A long list of accolades are highlighted by him being named the Big 12 Defensive Player of The Year in 2004 and becoming a 2 time All-American. After an astounding college career, Johnson was drafted by the Chiefs with the 15th overall pick in the 2005 draft.
Derrick’s NFL career was great from the start. He played 13 years in Kansas City before moving on after the 2017 season. Across 182 games, Johnson had some eye-popping stats. Throughout his time in Kansas City, Johnson had 1,154 total tackles, including 941 solo tackles, and 103 tackles for a loss. He also forced 22 fumbles. Derrick was a quarterback’s worst nightmare. He had 27.5 career sacks along with 40 quarterback hits. While being a physical, hard hitting linebacker, Johnson still made plays in pass coverage. He had 14 interceptions and 70 passes deflected.
Johnson was very versatile and still managed to excel in nearly every aspect of the game. He was phenomenal across the board.
Throughout his career, DJ was named to the NFL Top 100 list 4 times, being ranked as high as 59th overall. Derrick was a 4 time Pro Bowler and was named the 2013 Pro Bowl Defensive MVP. He was all named to the All-Pro First Team in 2011.
DJ had an incredible career and is regarded as one of the best players to ever play the linebacker position. He will likely be named to the team’s Hall of Honor sometime in the next few years. He becomes eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame in 2023 and for the NFL Hall of Fame in 2024. He will be a strong candidate for both.
Today, Johnson is the Founder and President of the Defend the Dream Foundation. A foundation that caters to inner-city children through education. He gives back and touches the lives of those in need. It is awesome to see such an impactful player on the field, do such big things off of it.
Congratulations on a great career and once again, happy birthday Derrick!
Stats via: Pro Football Reference
