2026: Derrick Johnson | Chiefs Hall of Honor | Kansas City Chiefs - Chiefs.com
2026 | Derrick Johnson | Linebacker
Johnson spent 13 years of his 14-year career in Kansas City (2005-17), appearing in 182 games (169 starts), -- the most by any linebacker in franchise history – and helping the Chiefs reach the playoffs six times during his tenure. During his first season in Kansas City, Johnson started in all 16 games and compiled 95 tackles (79 solo), five passes defensed, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery, and he was named the Chiefs Mack Lee Hill Award recipient, given to the team's rookie of the year as voted on by players and coaches. The two-time AP All-Pro (2011 and 2015) and four-time Pro Bowl (2011-13, 2015) honoree recorded 1,163 tackles (940 solo), 77 passes defensed, 71 tackles-for-loss, 40 quarterback hurries, 27.5 sacks, 23 forced fumbles, and eight fumble recoveries throughout his career, including one season in Oakland (2018). Johnson's 1,146 total tackles as a member of the Chiefs are the most in franchise history and he's the only player in franchise history with more than 1,000 tackles in a Chiefs uniform. He was named to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.
"I am so grateful and honored to be inducted into the Chiefs Ring of Honor," Johnson said. "I played 13 years in Arrowhead and always dreamed of one day having my name at the top of the stadium alongside of other legends. I want to thank Clark Hunt and the entire Chiefs organization for making my dreams come true. To the fans, your passion made every moment unforgettable and now my name will echo in the stadium and through the hearts of Chiefs Kingdom forever. Thank you, Lord."
Johnson was drafted out of the University of Texas as the 15th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft following a storied collegiate career for the Longhorns. In 2004, he won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the nation's top defensive player, and the Dick Butkus Trophy, awarded to nation's top linebacker, and he was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Additionally, during Johnson's four years in Austin, he was a two-time consensus first team All-American (2003-04), a three-time All-Big 12 first team nominee (2002-04), and a Big 12 Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year. The Waco, Texas, native was named to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
