Chiefs Chiefs announce that Derrick Johnson will be allowed to test free agency in March - Page 2

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

otherstar · 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.

I agree. He was a great player when he was younger, but he's definitely lost a step, and it's not going to get any better, or easier, for him.

**The Franchise** · 02-13-2018, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinger

I plan on playing for several more years because I love this game so much,

Dude is going to make it so he can't walk one day. Just hang them up.

**Easy 6** · 02-13-2018, 02:48 PM

He needs to retire while he can still walk

Its sad to see guys like him and Hali go... but its time

Retire as lifelong Chiefs with your dignity intact guys, and you'll be living legends in KC the rest of your lives

**Rain Man** · 02-13-2018, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carcosa

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

And then returned the fumble for the epic miracle game winner. Best game I've ever seen out of a linebacker, and he did it when the lights were brightest.

JohnnyHammersticks · 02-13-2018, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jewish Rabbi

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

\

Easy there, don't be sacrilegious. Don't ever compare another player to Sabs.

O.city · 02-13-2018, 02:49 PM

He can probably get a 2 year deal from someone

He’s done but someone will pay for his name

staylor26 · 02-13-2018, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

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.

This. Let him continue to tutor Ragland, Eligwe, Eligwe and/or a draft pick.

JohnnyHammersticks · 02-13-2018, 02:51 PM

I think I'll remember DJ most for the 50,000 interceptions he dropped.

O.city · 02-13-2018, 02:52 PM

Maybe he doesn’t wanna coach?

Good move by the chiefs though. Go ahead and pull the Tamba band aid as well

**Rain Man** · 02-13-2018, 02:53 PM

So does this 100 percent mean that he's gone, or could the Chiefs sign him at a lower contract rate if he gets no takers? What are the odds of him coming back to KC?

KCFalcon59 · 02-13-2018, 02:54 PM

DJ is a class act. Wish him well.

**DaneMcCloud** · 02-13-2018, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

What are the odds of him coming back to KC?

The same odds as Jamaal Charles after he was released last year

**DaneMcCloud** · 02-13-2018, 02:55 PM

Everyone knew this was coming but it still sucks to see DJ released.

As others have noted, dude, just please retire. You're old and slow and don't need the paycheck.

Enjoy your life.

Bewbies · 02-13-2018, 02:57 PM

The year he was drafted I was hoping so much we'd get him or Thomas Davis. The crazy thing is Davis was picked right before him and is also still playing.

The right pick would have been Aaron Rodgers, but still, great pick by KC. DJ will be in the ring of honor before long.

Hammock Parties · 02-13-2018, 02:57 PM

A true warrior. RIP.

02-13-2018, 02:38 PM
Stinger Bazinga Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $4304507	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, 02:48 PM	#18
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $3767775	He needs to retire while he can still walk Its sad to see guys like him and Hali go... but its time Retire as lifelong Chiefs with your dignity intact guys, and you'll be living legends in KC the rest of your lives
Posts: 91,630

02-13-2018, 02:49 PM	#21
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2784064	He can probably get a 2 year deal from someone He’s done but someone will pay for his name
Posts: 81,197

02-13-2018, 02:51 PM	#23
JohnnyHammersticks MVP Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chandler AZ Casino cash: $2761254	I think I'll remember DJ most for the 50,000 interceptions he dropped.
Posts: 12,784

02-13-2018, 02:52 PM	#24
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2784064	Maybe he doesn’t wanna coach? Good move by the chiefs though. Go ahead and pull the Tamba band aid as well
Posts: 81,197

02-13-2018, 02:53 PM	#25
Rain Man NFL's #1 Ermines Fan Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: My house Casino cash: $3358491 VARSITY	So does this 100 percent mean that he's gone, or could the Chiefs sign him at a lower contract rate if he gets no takers? What are the odds of him coming back to KC? __________________ I'm putting random letters here as a celebration of free speech: xigrakgrah misorojeq rkemeseit.
Posts: 141,249

02-13-2018, 02:54 PM	#26
KCFalcon59 MVP Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Topeka, Kansas Casino cash: $930000	DJ is a class act. Wish him well.
Posts: 6,762	1 0

02-13-2018, 02:55 PM	#28
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	Everyone knew this was coming but it still sucks to see DJ released. As others have noted, dude, just please retire. You're old and slow and don't need the paycheck. Enjoy your life.
Posts: 88,960	1 0

02-13-2018, 02:57 PM	#29
Bewbies Ith Fuhtbawl Time Join Date: Apr 2010 Casino cash: $9999900	The year he was drafted I was hoping so much we'd get him or Thomas Davis. The crazy thing is Davis was picked right before him and is also still playing. The right pick would have been Aaron Rodgers, but still, great pick by KC. DJ will be in the ring of honor before long.
Posts: 10,085

02-13-2018, 02:57 PM	#30
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4750478	A true warrior. RIP. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,636