Chiefs Chiefs say goodbye to veteran linebacker Derrick Johnson (With Quotes From DJ) - Page 3

**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.”

cooper barrett · 02-16-2018, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

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

My guess he will be back to reek havoc against us for calling him "over the hill" and not offering a deal at all. Watch him land somewhere where we meet in a wild card game. I thought he played well this year after a Achilles injury.

IMHO the chiefs should have offered him a one year deal after 16 years and let him turn it down if it's an insult.

threebag · 02-16-2018, 08:55 AM

Wish he could have ended his career here. DJ is one of my all-time favorites.

Hope he likes the Patriot Way and Super Bowl LIII.

AussieChiefsFan · 02-16-2018, 09:00 AM

It's sad, but he'll always be remembered. And its great having had a player that the whole fanbase is wishing well like this.

Dayze · 02-16-2018, 09:38 AM

i'd love for him to replace Lenny in the booth.
Get him some training, and I think he could be great at it. He's already pretty well spoken and articulate. Pretty much everyone loves him, lifelong Chief; his opinion would carry some weight (certainly more than ****ing Gammon).

I know it won't happen and I'll catch alot of shit for it, but I think it would be awesome.

cooper barrett · 02-16-2018, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dayze

i'd love for him to replace Lenny in the booth.
Get him some training, and I think he could be great at it. He's already pretty well spoken and articulate. Pretty much everyone loves him, lifelong Chief; his opinion would carry some weight (certainly more than ****ing Gammon).

I know it won't happen and I'll catch alot of shit for it, but I think it would be awesome.

He said he wants a ring, thought KC would be a good shot at it, He will get latched onto by someone with a good chance of making that happen, even if it's for 1-2 downs a series.

Nickhead · 02-16-2018, 01:42 PM

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!!

NFL = Not For Lamar

jspchief · 02-17-2018, 02:33 PM

I'll always remember him for his knack for knifing through a gap to blow plays up in the backfield. His tackling frustrated me at times, but there was no questioning his football instincts. One of my favorite Chiefs of my lifetime.

**Bowser** · 02-17-2018, 03:03 PM

I was en route to my car when that play happened, so that is the first time I have ever seen it. What an absolute shame he had that play taken from him (even if it was the right call) and that sack fumble earlier in what ended up being his last game as a Chief. I'd also like to point out that Marcus Peters just laid an offensive lineman right the **** out.

**mlyonsd** · 02-17-2018, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEX

DJ = CLASS

^

**BigRedChief** · 02-17-2018, 07:50 PM

I want to thank the Kansas City Chiefs and the Hunt family for supporting me since 2005. The… https://t.co/mnG1cvbKGO
— Derrick Johnson (@superdj56) February 18, 2018

**Rausch** · 02-18-2018, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

I want to thank the Kansas City Chiefs and the Hunt family for supporting me since 2005. The… https://t.co/mnG1cvbKGO
— Derrick Johnson (@superdj56) February 18, 2018

**Baby Lee** · 02-18-2018, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch

via GIPHY

**Rausch** · 02-18-2018, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

via GIPHY

By the way NEVER look for "we let him down gif" on a search engine with pics selected...jesus tapdancing Christ - I wasn't prepared...

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

02-16-2018, 08:55 AM	#32
threebag Snacks Are Under My Apron Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Edge Casino cash: $3091660	Wish he could have ended his career here. DJ is one of my all-time favorites. Hope he likes the Patriot Way and Super Bowl LIII. __________________ Free DeBerg HayWire Greatest Mod Ever In big nasty kcnut we trust
Posts: 23,854

02-16-2018, 09:00 AM	#33
AussieChiefsFan MVP Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Casino cash: $6598501	It's sad, but he'll always be remembered. And its great having had a player that the whole fanbase is wishing well like this.
Posts: 13,731

02-16-2018, 09:38 AM	#34
Dayze Resident Glue Sniffer Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $5259358	i'd love for him to replace Lenny in the booth. Get him some training, and I think he could be great at it. He's already pretty well spoken and articulate. Pretty much everyone loves him, lifelong Chief; his opinion would carry some weight (certainly more than **ing Gammon). I know it won't happen and I'll catch alot of shit for it, but I think it would be awesome. __________________ Life is 99% inspiration, 1% Perspiration, and 1% Attention to Detial. RIP & Godspeed:** Saccoppo Lonewolf Ed Fire Me Boy
Posts: 37,355

02-17-2018, 02:33 PM	#37
jspchief BAMF Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Your Face Casino cash: $9998710	I'll always remember him for his knack for knifing through a gap to blow plays up in the backfield. His tackling frustrated me at times, but there was no questioning his football instincts. One of my favorite Chiefs of my lifetime. __________________ Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all.
Posts: 27,207

02-17-2018, 03:03 PM	#38
Bowser sorta mod-ish Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: KC North Casino cash: $3521616	I was en route to my car when that play happened, so that is the first time I have ever seen it. What an absolute shame he had that play taken from him (even if it was the right call) and that sack fumble earlier in what ended up being his last game as a Chief. I'd also like to point out that Marcus Peters just laid an offensive lineman right the **** out.
Posts: 100,455

02-17-2018, 07:50 PM	#40
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $3229627 VARSITY	I want to thank the Kansas City Chiefs and the Hunt family for supporting me since 2005. The… https://t.co/mnG1cvbKGO — Derrick Johnson (@superdj56) February 18, 2018 __________________ Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering. -YODA
Posts: 78,934