Chiefs Chiefs say goodbye to veteran linebacker Derrick Johnson (With Quotes From DJ) - Page 2

**DaneMcCloud** · 02-13-2018, 03:44 PM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...199898409.html

Chiefs say goodbye to veteran linebacker Derrick Johnson
BY TEREZ A. PAYLOR

The Chiefs have decided to let inside linebacker Derrick Johnson hit free agency in March. Johnson told The Star on Tuesday that he was made aware of the club’s decision during a recent discussion with general manager Brett Veach. Johnson, a 35-year-old four-time Pro Bowler, recorded 71 tackles and seven pass deflections in 2017, his 13th NFL season, after fast-tracking his recovery from a torn Achilles the previous December. He signed a three-year, $21 million contract extension in March 2016. When he restructured that deal a year ago, he freed up $4.25 million and voided the third year of the deal.

“When I restructured my deal, I voided my last year out,” Johnson said. “In order for me to come back with the Chiefs, we’d have to work on a deal or do something for a one-year type of deal. But the Chiefs, they wanted to go younger across the board — that’s what (general manager Brett) Veach was talking about. I wasn’t in their plans, and I understood that. They’ve got some cap issues, and even though I would have bended some to be a Chief, there really was no negotiation. I just wasn’t in the plans. And that happens; it is what it is.”

Johnson will become a free agent on March 14, the first day of the new league year. “Few players in recent history have meant more to the Chiefs franchise and the Kansas City community than Derrick Johnson,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement. “His tireless work ethic and passion for the game made him one of the most productive defensive players to ever wear a Chiefs uniform and one of the most respected players both in our locker room and around the league. Over the last 13 seasons, Derrick represented himself and the Chiefs organization with integrity and class, and he will always be a part of our Chiefs family.”

Johnson was a first-round pick by the Chiefs in 2005 out of Texas. He went on to become the team’s all-time leading tackler, with 1,262. Letting go of a player like Derrick is particularly tough because of how much respect I have for him as a player and as a person,” general manager Brett Veach said in a statement. “He’s had a tremendous career here in Kansas City, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he’s grateful he was able to coach Johnson. “He’s a passionate football player and a natural leader,” Reid said in a statement. “I value the amount of quality work he put in every day for us, including teaching our younger players what it means to be a pro. I think he will make an incredible coach when he is done playing the game, if he chooses.”

Johnson, who had hopes of returning to the Chiefs in 2018, told The Star on Tuesday that he expects to continue his playing career in pursuit of a Super Bowl ring. “I’ve been blessed to be a part of the Kansas City Chiefs organization my entire career,” he said a statement. “I’d like to thank the Hunt family, my coaches, teammates and the staff for the tremendous amount of support I received over the years. I love Kansas City and this fan base; they’ve always had my back. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to spend 13 years in a place I love. I plan on playing for several more years because I love this game so much, but I look forward to retiring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs when my career is over. I’ll miss my Chiefs teammates — we made a lot of big plays together over the years — and I wish them the best in bringing a championship home to the best and loudest fans in the NFL.”

KChiefs1 · 02-13-2018, 08:29 PM

Interesting timing.

Wonder if they cut Hali next week to give him his moment?

Hog's Gone Fishin · 02-13-2018, 08:35 PM

You know inside he's sick to his stomach we finally got our QB and now he's out.

Deberg_1990 · 02-13-2018, 08:35 PM

Chiefs really has an amazing run of picks from 2005 to 2008

SuperBowl4 · 02-13-2018, 08:50 PM

DJ, please take Bob Sutton with you. Thank you

Sweet Daddy Hate · 02-13-2018, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hog's Gone Fishin

You know inside he's sick to his stomach we finally got our QB and now he's out.

Yep.

Thanks, ReidSmith! / DJ.

**alpha_omega** · 02-13-2018, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KChiefs1

Interesting timing.

Wonder if they cut Hali next week to give him his moment?

That’s gotta be coming soon.

Nickhead · 02-16-2018, 04:33 AM

cooper barrett · 02-16-2018, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hog's Gone Fishin

Damn, we all new it was probably coming but Damn. I hope he gets to play us in the Superbowl.

Can he live that long, no less be active into his 70's?

cooper barrett · 02-16-2018, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Chiefs Ring of Honor someday?

+1

**Baby Lee** · 02-16-2018, 06:36 AM

It will now be a forever emblematic epitaph on his time here that in the last game he played for us he had two of the biggest plays in the game, and they were both called back by the refs.

RippedmyFlesh · 02-16-2018, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

It will now be a forever emblematic epitaph on his time here that in the last game he played for us he had two of the biggest plays in the game, and they were both called back by the refs.

If that isn't because chiefs I don't what is. It's like a chief's fans's existence summed up by one player's career.

**Baby Lee** · 02-16-2018, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RippedmyFlesh

If that isn't because chiefs I don't what is. It's like a chief's fans's existence summed up by one player's career.

In the fullness of time, I know it wasn't a TO on the last play. But in the heat of the moment, I legit shed tears for the first time for the Chiefs in a good 15 years. Partially the realization it was DJ chugging into the EZ, partially McDonough's emotion in the call.

No fair, NFL Gods. No ****ing Fair!!

TEX · 02-16-2018, 08:15 AM

DJ = CLASS

MVChiefFan · 02-16-2018, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

In the fullness of time, I know it wasn't a TO on the last play. But in the heat of the moment, I legit shed tears for the first time for the Chiefs in a good 15 years. Partially the realization it was DJ chugging into the EZ, partially McDonough's emotion in the call.

No fair, NFL Gods. No ****ing Fair!!

UGH!!! I’m with ya, man. Makes me all emotional watching it again. I know it’s time to move on, but man it kind of sucks.

**BigRedChief** · 02-16-2018, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EPodolak

Hope his career closes out with dignity, now or whenever.

He needs to realize its over. Retire. Aging stops for no one.

02-13-2018, 03:44 PM
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	Chiefs say goodbye to veteran linebacker Derrick Johnson (With Quotes From DJ) http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...199898409.html Chiefs say goodbye to veteran linebacker Derrick Johnson BY TEREZ A. PAYLOR The Chiefs have decided to let inside linebacker Derrick Johnson hit free agency in March. Johnson told The Star on Tuesday that he was made aware of the club’s decision during a recent discussion with general manager Brett Veach. Johnson, a 35-year-old four-time Pro Bowler, recorded 71 tackles and seven pass deflections in 2017, his 13th NFL season, after fast-tracking his recovery from a torn Achilles the previous December. He signed a three-year, $21 million contract extension in March 2016. When he restructured that deal a year ago, he freed up $4.25 million and voided the third year of the deal. “When I restructured my deal, I voided my last year out,” Johnson said. “In order for me to come back with the Chiefs, we’d have to work on a deal or do something for a one-year type of deal. But the Chiefs, they wanted to go younger across the board — that’s what (general manager Brett) Veach was talking about. I wasn’t in their plans, and I understood that. They’ve got some cap issues, and even though I would have bended some to be a Chief, there really was no negotiation. I just wasn’t in the plans. And that happens; it is what it is.” Johnson will become a free agent on March 14, the first day of the new league year. “Few players in recent history have meant more to the Chiefs franchise and the Kansas City community than Derrick Johnson,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement. “His tireless work ethic and passion for the game made him one of the most productive defensive players to ever wear a Chiefs uniform and one of the most respected players both in our locker room and around the league. Over the last 13 seasons, Derrick represented himself and the Chiefs organization with integrity and class, and he will always be a part of our Chiefs family.” Johnson was a first-round pick by the Chiefs in 2005 out of Texas. He went on to become the team’s all-time leading tackler, with 1,262. Letting go of a player like Derrick is particularly tough because of how much respect I have for him as a player and as a person,” general manager Brett Veach said in a statement. “He’s had a tremendous career here in Kansas City, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he’s grateful he was able to coach Johnson. “He’s a passionate football player and a natural leader,” Reid said in a statement. “I value the amount of quality work he put in every day for us, including teaching our younger players what it means to be a pro. I think he will make an incredible coach when he is done playing the game, if he chooses.” Johnson, who had hopes of returning to the Chiefs in 2018, told The Star on Tuesday that he expects to continue his playing career in pursuit of a Super Bowl ring. “I’ve been blessed to be a part of the Kansas City Chiefs organization my entire career,” he said a statement. “I’d like to thank the Hunt family, my coaches, teammates and the staff for the tremendous amount of support I received over the years. I love Kansas City and this fan base; they’ve always had my back. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to spend 13 years in a place I love. I plan on playing for several more years because I love this game so much, but I look forward to retiring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs when my career is over. I’ll miss my Chiefs teammates — we made a lot of big plays together over the years — and I wish them the best in bringing a championship home to the best and loudest fans in the NFL.”
Posts: 88,960

02-13-2018, 08:29 PM	#16
KChiefs1 I’m a Mahomo! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mid-Missouri Casino cash: $6771021	Interesting timing. Wonder if they cut Hali next week to give him his moment? __________________
Posts: 54,038

02-13-2018, 08:35 PM	#17
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1290477	You know inside he's sick to his stomach we finally got our QB and now he's out.
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02-13-2018, 08:35 PM	#18
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $3584454	Chiefs really has an amazing run of picks from 2005 to 2008 __________________ Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning: Matt once made a very nice play in Seattle where he spun away from a pass rusher and hit Bowe off his back foot for a first down. One of the best plays Matt has ever made.
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02-13-2018, 08:50 PM	#19
SuperBowl4 MVP Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: HERMOSA BEACH,CA Casino cash: $7964900	DJ, please take Bob Sutton with you. Thank you
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02-16-2018, 04:33 AM	#22
Nickhead EvOlVeD Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Blue Mountains, Australia Casino cash: $2239868	__________________ KC vs DET 30-28 7/6/2024
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02-16-2018, 06:36 AM	#25
Baby Lee Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $6838598	It will now be a forever emblematic epitaph on his time here that in the last game he played for us he had two of the biggest plays in the game, and they were both called back by the refs.
Posts: 95,642

02-16-2018, 08:15 AM	#28
TEX Out Gunning CP's Fandom Police Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Laguna Beach, CA Casino cash: $1943127	DJ = CLASS __________________ "The CHIEFS, HAVE THEIR DYNASTY!"
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