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

**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.”

O.city · 02-13-2018, 03:46 PM

Good to see Veach gets it

After the whole Tamba situation, the previous gym seemed to struggle with that a bit

**SAUTO** · 02-13-2018, 03:46 PM

sad day

**SAUTO** · 02-13-2018, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Good to see Veach gets it

After the whole Tamba situation, the previous gym seemed to struggle with that a bit

i agree, still sad

**DaneMcCloud** · 02-13-2018, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAUTO

sad day

It's even more of a bummer because, like Jamaal Charles last year, he hasn't recognized that it's over.

It's going to suck to see him in another uniform after 13 seasons as a Chief.

Otter · 02-13-2018, 03:50 PM

Bitter sweet situation. He's one of my favorite modern day players but he's also no where near the athlete he was in his early career. Pretty sure he'll be OK but I would have liked to see him retire a Chief.

Hog's Gone Fishin · 02-13-2018, 03:52 PM

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

**Easy 6** · 02-13-2018, 04:00 PM

He was a consummate Chief, wish him well wherever he goes

PunkinDrublic · 02-13-2018, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

It's even more of a bummer because, like Jamaal Charles last year, he hasn't recognized that it's over.

It's going to suck to see him in another uniform after 13 seasons as a Chief.

Most players careers end with them thinking they can still do it for another year or two. It’s part of their competitive nature.

jimidollar · 02-13-2018, 07:40 PM

The man had a solid career. I enjoyed watching him play for our shitty franchise. Too bad he couldn't have gotten more postseason success.

Pasta Little Brioni · 02-13-2018, 07:43 PM

Just don't rot away in Pile High like Jamaal....

EPodolak · 02-13-2018, 07:49 PM

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

Sweet Daddy Hate · 02-13-2018, 08:15 PM

Yeah, don't "Charles-Out", please.

Deberg_1990 · 02-13-2018, 08:23 PM

Chiefs Ring of Honor someday?

lcarus · 02-13-2018, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Chiefs Ring of Honor someday?

No doubt about it

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, 03:46 PM	#2
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2834064	Good to see Veach gets it After the whole Tamba situation, the previous gym seemed to struggle with that a bit
Posts: 81,172

02-13-2018, 03:46 PM	#3
SAUTO Shit Join Date: Jun 2008 Casino cash: $10039067	sad day
Posts: 55,715

02-13-2018, 03:52 PM	#7
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1790477	Damn, we all new it was probably coming but Damn. I hope he gets to play us in the Superbowl.
Posts: 40,311

02-13-2018, 04:00 PM	#8
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $3817775	He was a consummate Chief, wish him well wherever he goes
Posts: 91,576

02-13-2018, 07:40 PM	#10
jimidollar MVP Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Texas Casino cash: $10021632	The man had a solid career. I enjoyed watching him play for our shitty franchise. Too bad he couldn't have gotten more postseason success. __________________ -------------------- "I will have my glory day in the hot sun."- Nacho
Posts: 5,705

02-13-2018, 07:43 PM	#11
Pasta Little Brioni Consuming CP souls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: U.S.A. Casino cash: $4068880	Just don't rot away in Pile High like Jamaal....
Posts: 68,304

02-13-2018, 07:49 PM	#12
EPodolak Spooky Action Join Date: Dec 2003 Casino cash: $2732558	Hope his career closes out with dignity, now or whenever.
Posts: 6,331

02-13-2018, 08:15 PM	#13
Sweet Daddy Hate Unsparing Join Date: Aug 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	Yeah, don't "Charles-Out", please. __________________ 1. Merciless, severe. 2. Given freely and generously. 100% refusal to overrate 20 year Head Coaches with ZERO **ing rings as a Head Coach. CP's Official Professor of 'Dem Blues for 2019/2020!**
Posts: 77,135

02-13-2018, 08:23 PM	#14
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $3914454	Chiefs Ring of Honor someday? __________________ 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.
Posts: 66,914