Chiefs Chiefs announce that Derrick Johnson will be allowed to test free agency in March

Stinger · 02:47 PM

Per Terez Paylor

Chiefs announce that Derrick Johnson will be allowed to test free agency in March
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) February 13, 2018

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Tuesday that linebacker Derrick Johnson will become a free agent when his contract with the club expires at the start of the new league year on March 14. The announcement ends Johnson’s 13-year run with the Chiefs.

“Few players in recent history have meant more to the Chiefs franchise and the Kansas City community than Derrick Johnson,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “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 is the franchise’s all-time leading tackler, compiling 1,262 career stops (993 solo) in his 13 seasons with the Chiefs (2005-17). He earned four Pro Bowl berths in his time with the club.

“I’ve been blessed to be a part of the Kansas City Chiefs organization my entire career,” Johnson said. “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.”

General Manager Brett Veach and Head Coach Andy Reid weighed in on Johnson’s tenure in Kansas City.

“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,” Veach said. “He’s had a tremendous career here in Kansas City, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

“I’m grateful I had the opportunity to coach a player like Derrick,” Reid said. “He’s a passionate football player and a natural leader. 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 played in 182 games (169 starts) with the club tallying 27.5 sacks, 40 quarterback pressures, 14 interceptions – returning four of those INTs for touchdowns – 23 forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. Johnson had a career-high 179 tackles in 2011 that led to his first of four Pro Bowl appearances. In addition to his four Pro Bowl berths, Johnson was named the club’s Mack Lee Hill Award winner following his rookie season, an award given to the team’s top rookie or first year player. Additionally, after his career year in 2011, Johnson was awarded with the Derrick Thomas Award, given to the team’s MVP. The former Texas Longhorn originally entered the NFL as the Chiefs first-round pick (15th overall) in 2005.

http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2...b-487e57ffa691

Nickhead · 02-13-2018, 02:39 PM

5th round comp pick or a packet of twizzlers?

carcosa · 02-13-2018, 02:40 PM

Remember when he forced that huge fumble that sealed the first home playoff win in decades

Mr_Tomahawk · 02-13-2018, 02:40 PM

Shocked.

**The Franchise** · 02-13-2018, 02:41 PM

Another one bites the dust.

You're on deck, Hali.

Frosty · 02-13-2018, 02:41 PM

To the surprise of no one.

Marco Polo · 02-13-2018, 02:43 PM

I still remember how happy CP and I was when we drafted him. Considering how many first round picks become busts, this one worked out.

tyton75 · 02-13-2018, 02:43 PM

I'm still hopeful we can get him back at a lower cap number. He still has value.

O.city · 02-13-2018, 02:43 PM

Yeah good dude sucks to see it happen

Good luck

JohnnyHammersticks · 02-13-2018, 02:45 PM

DJ is a guy who should seriously, seriously think about hanging it up. He's had a long career, made a boatload of cash, and knowing what they know now about the damage that comes with a football career, especially playing ILB, why take any more risk? If it's love of the game, be a coach or something.

O.city · 02-13-2018, 02:45 PM

He’s done btw

Old and slow

**The Franchise** · 02-13-2018, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyHammersticks

DJ is a guy who should seriously, seriously think about hanging it up. He's had a long career, made a boatload of cash, and knowing what they know now about the damage that comes with a football career, especially playing ILB, why take any more risk? If it's love of the game, be a coach or something.

He's actually one of the guys that Reid should offer an interim coaches job to see if it's something that he's interested in. I think he'd be a good LB coach over time.

Jewish Rabbi · 02-13-2018, 02:47 PM

May go down with Sabby Piscatelli as one of the best Chiefs defenders ever.

KC_Lee · 02-13-2018, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyHammersticks

DJ is a guy who should seriously, seriously think about hanging it up. He's had a long career, made a boatload of cash, and knowing what they know now about the damage that comes with a football career, especially playing ILB, why take any more risk? If it's love of the game, be a coach or something.

This, over and over this. Please DJ, retire, ride into that sunset head held high with Chiefs' fans cheering. Come back strong as a coach and continue a legacy.

JohnnyHammersticks · 02-13-2018, 02:47 PM

However it works out, great career though. I honestly couldn't stand the guy his first couple seasons in KC, but then it seemed like a lightbulb went on in his head and he really started balling and maintained that level for a long time. He'll go down as one of the better players in franchise history.

02-13-2018, 02:38 PM
Stinger Bazinga Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $4354507	Chiefs announce that Derrick Johnson will be allowed to test free agency in March Per Terez Paylor Chiefs announce that Derrick Johnson will be allowed to test free agency in March — Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) February 13, 2018 The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Tuesday that linebacker Derrick Johnson will become a free agent when his contract with the club expires at the start of the new league year on March 14. The announcement ends Johnson’s 13-year run with the Chiefs. “Few players in recent history have meant more to the Chiefs franchise and the Kansas City community than Derrick Johnson,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “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 is the franchise’s all-time leading tackler, compiling 1,262 career stops (993 solo) in his 13 seasons with the Chiefs (2005-17). He earned four Pro Bowl berths in his time with the club. “I’ve been blessed to be a part of the Kansas City Chiefs organization my entire career,” Johnson said. “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.” General Manager Brett Veach and Head Coach Andy Reid weighed in on Johnson’s tenure in Kansas City. “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,” Veach said. “He’s had a tremendous career here in Kansas City, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.” “I’m grateful I had the opportunity to coach a player like Derrick,” Reid said. “He’s a passionate football player and a natural leader. 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 played in 182 games (169 starts) with the club tallying 27.5 sacks, 40 quarterback pressures, 14 interceptions – returning four of those INTs for touchdowns – 23 forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. Johnson had a career-high 179 tackles in 2011 that led to his first of four Pro Bowl appearances. In addition to his four Pro Bowl berths, Johnson was named the club’s Mack Lee Hill Award winner following his rookie season, an award given to the team’s top rookie or first year player. Additionally, after his career year in 2011, Johnson was awarded with the Derrick Thomas Award, given to the team’s MVP. The former Texas Longhorn originally entered the NFL as the Chiefs first-round pick (15th overall) in 2005. http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2...b-487e57ffa691 Last edited by Stinger; 02-13-2018 at 02:47 PM..
Posts: 10,179

02-13-2018, 02:39 PM	#2
Nickhead EvOlVeD Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Blue Mountains, Australia Casino cash: $2609868	5th round comp pick or a packet of twizzlers?
Posts: 8,220

02-13-2018, 02:40 PM	#3
carcosa Thank you Join Date: May 2014 Casino cash: $2923695	Remember when he forced that huge fumble that sealed the first home playoff win in decades
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02-13-2018, 02:40 PM	#4
Mr_Tomahawk Prestige Worldwide Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Spring Hill, KS Casino cash: $3140526	Shocked. __________________ Adopt-A-Chief: John Dorsey
Posts: 18,384

02-13-2018, 02:41 PM	#5
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $3205047	Another one bites the dust. You're on deck, Hali.
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02-13-2018, 02:41 PM	#6
Frosty Go Beavers! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Warshington Casino cash: $5748243	To the surprise of no one.
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02-13-2018, 02:43 PM	#7
Marco Polo Veteran Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 41°59.4′N 87°39.6'W Casino cash: $5848908	I still remember how happy CP and I was when we drafted him. Considering how many first round picks become busts, this one worked out.
Posts: 2,506

02-13-2018, 02:43 PM	#8
tyton75 Veteran Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: KC North Casino cash: $6018386	I'm still hopeful we can get him back at a lower cap number. He still has value. __________________
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02-13-2018, 02:43 PM	#9
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2844064	Yeah good dude sucks to see it happen Good luck
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02-13-2018, 02:45 PM	#10
JohnnyHammersticks MVP Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chandler AZ Casino cash: $2821254	DJ is a guy who should seriously, seriously think about hanging it up. He's had a long career, made a boatload of cash, and knowing what they know now about the damage that comes with a football career, especially playing ILB, why take any more risk? If it's love of the game, be a coach or something.
Posts: 12,758	1 0

02-13-2018, 02:47 PM	#13
Jewish Rabbi What's up braj? Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Placencia, Belize Casino cash: $2218320	May go down with Sabby Piscatelli as one of the best Chiefs defenders ever.
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