It is rare to have a legend in your midst. So when they are around no more, everyone takes notice. That’s the case with Derrick Johnson, the tackling machine for the Kansas City Chiefs… with 1,262 tackles — a team record. He was also the team’s leader in defensive starts with 169. DJ is not only known for his tackling, or starts, he’s has been a level headed leader on and off the field so when the Chiefs announced on Tuesday that they will not be retaining him for the 2018 season, a huge void has already appeared in the middle of the Chiefs teams. There will be no replacing this man in the middle. Yes, his overall play took a downturn this past season but his ability to hit was no less evident.
The purpose of this piece has nothing to do with what — or who — comes next, but has everything to do with making sure we remember him and pay homage to his legacy… appropriately. I wish with great heart that he could have been around when the Chiefs made it to the podium for the Lombardi Award presentation and the Kansas City city parade which would have been sure to follow, but not all wishes and dreams come true. And so… I will remember… WE will remember… the man, the linebacker, the legacy. Here then, are a few of my favorite “DJ Moments”…
Derrick Johnson gave the @Chiefs 182 games full of hustle. 💪
(and 27.5 sacks) pic.twitter.com/nm6hzkRFjg
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) February 13, 2018
Here are a couple fo highlight reels that I couldn’t resist.
And finally, we will miss you DJ. So, here’s our tribute song to you:
Do you have a favorite Derrick John memory you’d like to share?
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