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Derrick Johnson: A Chiefs Legend And NFL Star

Trends January 15, 2025

Who is Derrick Johnson and what is his significance to the Kansas City Chiefs?

Derrick Johnson is a former American football linebacker who played 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas and was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft.

Johnson was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro selection. He was also named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2010s. Johnson was a key member of the Chiefs' defense during their run to the AFC Championship Game in 2018.

Personal details of Derrick Johnson

Name:	Derrick Johnson
Born:	November 28, 1982 (age 40)
Birthplace:	Waco, Texas
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	242 lb (110 kg)
College:	Texas
NFL Draft:	2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15
Position:	Linebacker
Teams:	Kansas City Chiefs (20052018), Oakland Raiders (2018)
Pro Bowl:	2011, 2012, 2013, 2015
All-Pro:	2011, 2013

Transition to main article topics

Derrick Johnson's early life and career
Derrick Johnson's time with the Kansas City Chiefs
Derrick Johnson's retirement and legacy

Derrick Johnson

Derrick Johnson was a key member of the Kansas City Chiefs for 13 seasons. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro selection. Johnson was also named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2010s.

Linebacker: Johnson played the linebacker position for the Chiefs.
Tackles: Johnson was one of the league's leading tacklers during his time with the Chiefs.
Interceptions: Johnson also had a knack for making big plays, including interceptions.
Leadership: Johnson was a leader on and off the field for the Chiefs.
Playoffs: Johnson helped lead the Chiefs to the playoffs several times, including the AFC Championship Game in 2018.
Pro Bowl: Johnson was selected to the Pro Bowl four times, which is a testament to his skill and consistency.
All-Pro: Johnson was also named an All-Pro twice, which is a further testament to his dominance at the linebacker position.
Legacy: Johnson is considered one of the best linebackers in Chiefs history.

Johnson's contributions to the Chiefs were significant. He was a key member of the team's defense for many years and helped them achieve success on the field. Johnson is a respected figure in Kansas City and is considered one of the best players in the team's history.

1. Linebacker

The linebacker position is a crucial one in American football, and Derrick Johnson was one of the best linebackers in the NFL during his time with the Chiefs. Linebackers are responsible for a variety of tasks, including tackling ball carriers, covering receivers, and rushing the passer. Johnson was particularly adept at tackling, and he was one of the league's leading tacklers during his time with the Chiefs.

Tackling: As mentioned above, Johnson was one of the league's leading tacklers during his time with the Chiefs. He was a physical and aggressive tackler, and he was able to bring down ball carriers with ease.
Coverage: Johnson was also a good coverage linebacker. He was able to cover running backs and tight ends effectively, and he was also able to make plays on the ball. Johnson had 17 career interceptions, which is a testament to his coverage skills.
Pass rushing: Johnson was not known for his pass rushing ability, but he was able to generate pressure on the quarterback when needed. He had 19.5 career sacks, which is a respectable number for a linebacker.
Leadership: Johnson was a leader on and off the field for the Chiefs. He was a vocal leader in the locker room, and he was also a role model for his teammates on the field. Johnson's leadership was a key factor in the Chiefs' success during his time with the team.

2. Tackles

Derrick Johnson was one of the most prolific tacklers in the NFL during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a key part of the Chiefs' defense, and his ability to stop the run was a major reason for their success.

Total tackles: Johnson had 1,062 tackles in his career, which is 10th all-time in NFL history. He led the NFL in tackles in 2011 and 2012, and he was named to the Pro Bowl four times for his tackling prowess.
Solo tackles: Johnson also had a high number of solo tackles, which means he made the tackle without any assistance from his teammates. He had 658 solo tackles in his career, which is 15th all-time in NFL history.
Tackles for loss: Johnson was also good at making tackles for loss, which means he tackled the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage. He had 102 tackles for loss in his career, which is tied for 40th all-time in NFL history.
Impact on the Chiefs: Johnson's tackling ability was a major reason for the Chiefs' success during his time with the team. He was a key part of the defense, and his ability to stop the run helped the Chiefs win a lot of games.

Johnson's tackling ability was one of the main reasons why he was such a valuable player for the Chiefs. He was a key part of the defense, and his ability to stop the run helped the Chiefs win a lot of games.

3. Interceptions

Derrick Johnson was known for his ability to make big plays, including interceptions. He had 17 interceptions in his career, which is a testament to his instincts and playmaking ability.

Interceptions are a key part of the game of football. They can stop an opponent's drive and give the defense a chance to get the ball back. Johnson was a master at reading the quarterback and jumping in front of passes. He also had great hands, which allowed him to make difficult catches.

Johnson's interceptions were a major reason for the Chiefs' success during his time with the team. He was a key part of the defense, and his ability to make big plays helped the Chiefs win a lot of games.

Here are a few examples of Johnson's interceptions:

In 2011, Johnson intercepted a pass from Philip Rivers in the end zone to seal a victory for the Chiefs.
In 2013, Johnson intercepted a pass from Peyton Manning and returned it for a touchdown.
In 2015, Johnson intercepted a pass from Tom Brady in the AFC Divisional Round to help the Chiefs advance to the AFC Championship Game.

These are just a few examples of Johnson's many interceptions. He was a playmaker who could change the game with one big play.

Johnson's interceptions were a key part of his game. They were a testament to his instincts, playmaking ability, and hands. Johnson's interceptions helped the Chiefs win a lot of games, and they are a big reason why he is considered one of the best linebackers in team history.

4. Leadership

Derrick Johnson was a natural leader during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a vocal leader in the locker room, and he was also a role model for his teammates on the field. Johnson's leadership was a key factor in the Chiefs' success during his time with the team.

Leading by example: Johnson was a hard worker and a dedicated teammate. He always put the team first, and he was always willing to do whatever it took to win. Johnson's work ethic and dedication rubbed off on his teammates, and it helped to create a winning culture in Kansas City.
Communicating effectively: Johnson was a great communicator. He was able to motivate his teammates and get them to buy into the team's goals. Johnson was also able to communicate with the coaching staff effectively, and he was able to help the team make adjustments on the fly.
Building relationships: Johnson was a great teammate. He was always willing to help his teammates, and he was always there for them when they needed him. Johnson's relationships with his teammates helped to create a strong bond within the team, and it helped the Chiefs to achieve success.
Making tough decisions: Johnson was not afraid to make tough decisions. He was always willing to put the team first, even when it meant making unpopular decisions. Johnson's willingness to make tough decisions helped the Chiefs to win games and achieve success.

Johnson's leadership was a key factor in the Chiefs' success during his time with the team. He was a natural leader who was able to motivate his teammates and get them to buy into the team's goals. Johnson's leadership helped the Chiefs to win games and achieve success.

5. Playoffs

One of the most important aspects of Johnson's career was his ability to help lead the Chiefs to the playoffs. He was a key member of the Chiefs' defense, and his leadership and playmaking ability were a major factor in the team's success.

Johnson helped the Chiefs reach the playoffs six times during his career. He was a key member of the team's defense in each of those playoff runs, and he made several big plays that helped the Chiefs win games.

In the 2018 AFC Championship Game, Johnson had a huge interception that helped the Chiefs defeat the New England Patriots. The interception came at a in the game, and it helped the Chiefs advance to the Super Bowl.

6. Pro Bowl

Derrick Johnson was a four-time Pro Bowl selection during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. This is a significant achievement, as the Pro Bowl is one of the NFL's most prestigious honors. Only the best players in the league are selected to the Pro Bowl, and Johnson's four selections are a testament to his skill and consistency.

Johnson was a key member of the Chiefs' defense for many years. He was a versatile linebacker who could play multiple positions and make big plays. Johnson was a tackling machine, and he also had a knack for making interceptions and forcing fumbles.

Johnson's Pro Bowl selections are a reflection of his hard work and dedication. He was a consummate professional who always put the team first. Johnson was a leader on and off the field, and he was respected by his teammates and coaches.

The Pro Bowl is a major accomplishment for any player, and Johnson's four selections are a testament to his skill and consistency. He was one of the best linebackers in the NFL during his time with the Chiefs, and he helped the team achieve success on the field.

7. All-Pro

Derrick Johnson was named an All-Pro twice during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, which is a prestigious honor given to the best players at each position in the NFL. This recognition is a further testament to Johnson's dominance at the linebacker position.

Athleticism and Versatility: Johnson was a gifted athlete with a rare combination of size, speed, and strength. He was able to cover a lot of ground and make tackles all over the field. He was also able to play multiple positions in the Chiefs' defense, which made him a valuable asset to the team.
Tackling Ability: Johnson was one of the best tacklers in the NFL during his time with the Chiefs. He had a knack for finding the ball carrier and making a clean tackle. He was also a very physical tackler, and he was not afraid to lower his shoulder and deliver a big hit.
Playmaking Ability: Johnson was not just a great tackler; he was also a playmaker. He had a knack for making big plays, including interceptions and forced fumbles. He was also a very good pass rusher, and he had a number of sacks during his career.
Leadership: Johnson was a leader on and off the field for the Chiefs. He was a vocal leader in the locker room, and he was also a role model for his teammates on the field. Johnson's leadership was a key factor in the Chiefs' success during his time with the team.

Johnson's All-Pro selections are a testament to his hard work and dedication. He was a consummate professional who always put the team first. Johnson was a key member of the Chiefs' defense for many years, and he helped the team achieve success on the field.

8. Legacy

Derrick Johnson's legacy as one of the best linebackers in Kansas City Chiefs history is undeniable. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time All-Pro selection, and a key member of the Chiefs' defense for 13 seasons.

There are several reasons why Johnson is considered one of the best linebackers in Chiefs history. First, he was a dominant tackler. He led the NFL in tackles in 2011 and 2012, and he finished his career with over 1,000 tackles. Second, Johnson was a versatile player who could play multiple positions in the Chiefs' defense. He was equally effective at stopping the run and covering receivers.

But it was Johnson's leadership that truly set him apart. He was a vocal leader in the locker room and a role model for his teammates on the field. He was always willing to put the team first, and he was always striving to improve. Johnson's leadership was a key factor in the Chiefs' success during his time with the team.

Johnson's legacy is one of hard work, dedication, and leadership. He was a consummate professional who always put the team first. He was a key member of the Chiefs' defense for many years, and he helped the team achieve success on the field. Johnson is considered one of the best linebackers in Chiefs history, and his legacy will continue to inspire players and fans for years to come.

The connection between "Legacy: Johnson is considered one of the best linebackers in Chiefs history." and "derrick johnson kansas city chiefs" is clear: Johnson's legacy is a major part of his identity as a player for the Chiefs. He is remembered as one of the best to ever play the position for the team, and his contributions to the Chiefs' success are undeniable. Johnson's legacy is a source of pride for Chiefs fans, and it is a reminder of the great players who have played for the team over the years.

Frequently Asked Questions about Derrick Johnson and the Kansas City Chiefs

This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Derrick Johnson and his time with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Question 1: How many Pro Bowls did Derrick Johnson make?

Answer: Derrick Johnson made four Pro Bowls during his career, all as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Question 2: How many tackles did Derrick Johnson have in his career?

Answer: Derrick Johnson finished his career with 1,062 tackles, which is 10th all-time in NFL history.

Question 3: What is Derrick Johnson's legacy with the Kansas City Chiefs?

Answer: Derrick Johnson is considered one of the best linebackers in Kansas City Chiefs history. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time All-Pro selection, and a key member of the Chiefs' defense for 13 seasons.

Question 4: What are some of Derrick Johnson's most memorable moments with the Chiefs?

Answer: Some of Derrick Johnson's most memorable moments with the Chiefs include his interception in the end zone to seal a victory in 2011, his interception and touchdown return in 2013, and his interception in the AFC Divisional Round in 2015 that helped the Chiefs advance to the AFC Championship Game.

Question 5: What is Derrick Johnson's current status?

Answer: Derrick Johnson retired from the NFL after the 2018 season. He is now a coach for the Cleveland Browns.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Derrick Johnson and his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. For more information, please visit the Chiefs' official website.

Transition to the next article section:

Derrick Johnson was a great player for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a key member of the team's defense for many years, and he helped the Chiefs achieve success on the field. Johnson is a respected figure in Kansas City and is considered one of the best players in the team's history.

Conclusion on Derrick Johnson and the Kansas City Chiefs

Derrick Johnson was a key member of the Kansas City Chiefs for 13 seasons. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time All-Pro selection, and a key member of the Chiefs' defense during their run to the AFC Championship Game in 2018.

Johnson was a versatile linebacker who could play multiple positions and make big plays. He was a tackling machine, and he also had a knack for making interceptions and forcing fumbles. Johnson was also a leader on and off the field, and he was respected by his teammates and coaches.

Derrick Johnson's legacy as one of the best linebackers in Kansas City Chiefs history is undeniable. He was a consummate professional who always put the team first. He was a key member of the Chiefs' defense for many years, and he helped the team achieve success on the field. Johnson's legacy will continue to inspire players and fans for years to come.