Chiefs Chiefs announce that Derrick Johnson will be allowed to test free agency in March - Page 8

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

All In · 02-13-2018, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath15

Sorry your career was wasted, DJ.

Really this is what is sad. He should keep playing and go for the ring.

**Easy 6** · 02-13-2018, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by All In

Really this is what is sad. He should keep playing and go for the ring.

We ALL wish him luck in that endevor, but the sad truth is that most teams in need of his services are probably not among the contenders... but yeah, if he wants to keep playing for the love of the game go for it

KC will welcome him back with open arms when its all said and done... but you gotta admit that him retiring as a lifelong Chief has a special appeal to it, so few players can claim just one team these days

**BossChief** · 02-13-2018, 11:33 PM

One of my KC prized autos was DJs rookie jersey that he autographed at camp for me in 05. My dad didn’t care about sports at all, but he knew how much they mean to me and bought me the jersey on NFL.com while I was vacationing there and shipped it to my house after talking to him about how excited I was that we drafted him.

DJ was an incredible player for us for so long and had so many dominant moments where he single handedly took over games. If he caught all the picks that hit his hands, he might have ended up the career record holder for interceptions by a linebacker.

It was the right time to move on for the Chiefs, but it’s still sad to see him go.

bdj23 · 02-14-2018, 01:04 AM

Sorry you wasted your career here.

One of my faves though.

Chiefs4TheWin · 02-14-2018, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marco Polo

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.

Good memories indeed!

**Rausch** · 02-14-2018, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDj23

Sorry you wasted your career here.

One of my faves though.

This.

I hate he'll leave here but he's decided he's not done and it's a bid-ness...

Marcellus · 02-14-2018, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperChief

Hard to say if it was the benching or simply an accumulation of knowledge/experience. Hard for a cerebral ILB to take off right away in the league - it's so fast.

You should change your username to SuperDumbass.

**Rausch** · 02-14-2018, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

You should change your username to SuperDumbass.

Good news is roughly $8 million will leave with him...

**007** · 02-14-2018, 06:23 AM

I wonder how many true fans are upset about this.

**Rausch** · 02-14-2018, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007

I wonder how many true fans are upset about this.

I am.

I hate it. I know it's inevitable but...****.

This year we have to cut DJ and Hali.

I don't have to like it...

KCrockaholic · 02-14-2018, 06:27 AM

DJ was the ultimate Chief as a player and person, and he went through all the horrible years and still wanted to stick with this team. I think that's why it's tough.

**Rausch** · 02-14-2018, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCrockaholic

DJ was the ultimate Chief as a player and person, and he went through all the horrible years and still wanted to stick with this team. I think that's why it's tough.

Exactly.

Honestly, I don't think he wants to right now but eventually he'll be a great coach...

InChiefsHeaven · 02-14-2018, 06:36 AM

I usually wait till a guy retires before getting the jersey, but I'm in need of a new one...so it'll probably be DJ or Hali.
Thanks for the class and the memories DJ. I hope you just retire and be a coach. Good luck.

**DaKCMan AP** · 02-14-2018, 06:57 AM

Colquitt next, pls.

Chiefs=Champions · 02-14-2018, 07:05 AM

A genuinely supreme talent. Have never seen a backer that could do everything as well as he could. The way he knifed through blocks to dive and stop a rb -was pure art. A great player and an excellent person - not to mention incredibly loyal. I will miss watching him play. Sad that we couldn't get him a ring.

02-13-2018, 02:38 PM
Stinger Bazinga Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $4284507	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, 11:33 PM	#108
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1884088	One of my KC prized autos was DJs rookie jersey that he autographed at camp for me in 05. My dad didn’t care about sports at all, but he knew how much they mean to me and bought me the jersey on NFL.com while I was vacationing there and shipped it to my house after talking to him about how excited I was that we drafted him. DJ was an incredible player for us for so long and had so many dominant moments where he single handedly took over games. If he caught all the picks that hit his hands, he might have ended up the career record holder for interceptions by a linebacker. It was the right time to move on for the Chiefs, but it’s still sad to see him go. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,126

02-14-2018, 01:04 AM	#109
bdj23 In my youth i pray to keep Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Clown World Casino cash: $2729850	Sorry you wasted your career here. One of my faves though.
Posts: 15,741

02-14-2018, 06:23 AM	#114
007 Shaken. Not stirred. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: London Casino cash: $14060126 VARSITY	I wonder how many true fans are upset about this. __________________ My dear girl, there are some things that just aren’t done. Such as, drinking Dom Perignon ’53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s just as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs.
Posts: 65,554

02-14-2018, 06:27 AM	#116
KCrockaholic Sarcasm Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Olathe Casino cash: $4792900	DJ was the ultimate Chief as a player and person, and he went through all the horrible years and still wanted to stick with this team. I think that's why it's tough.
Posts: 21,133

02-14-2018, 06:36 AM	#118
InChiefsHeaven Rockin' yer FACE OFF! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Casino cash: $3884937	I usually wait till a guy retires before getting the jersey, but I'm in need of a new one...so it'll probably be DJ or Hali. Thanks for the class and the memories DJ. I hope you just retire and be a coach. Good luck. __________________ We have a million reasons for failure, but not one excuse... Die Donks, DIE!! Holy Crap fellas!!! We did it!!! THREE TIMES!!!
Posts: 25,727

02-14-2018, 06:57 AM	#119
DaKCMan AP Beloved & Awesome CP Celebrity Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Florida Casino cash: $6754952	Colquitt next, pls. __________________
Posts: 35,695

02-14-2018, 07:05 AM	#120
Chiefs=Champions Training Camp Hero Join Date: Oct 2006 Casino cash: $8504801	A genuinely supreme talent. Have never seen a backer that could do everything as well as he could. The way he knifed through blocks to dive and stop a rb -was pure art. A great player and an excellent person - not to mention incredibly loyal. I will miss watching him play. Sad that we couldn't get him a ring.
Posts: 5,996