When Derrick Johnson talks, people should be listening.
That's the kind of respect the new leading tackler in Kansas City Chiefs franchise history has earned throughout his 11 seasons of leading the Chiefs defense.
Last Monday against the Green Bay Packers, Johnson put an exclamation point on an already-storied career early in the third quarter with a tackle of Packers running back James Starks. It was the 1,000th tackle of Johnson's career and moved him past former Chiefs great Gary Spani for the all-time record.
Going into that game, Johnson only needed 5 tackles for the record and he admitted that he knew the moment he became the all-time leader.
"I did," he said with a smile. "It was one of those things where I'm on the sideline and I looked up on the screen and it said I had four tackles.
"Then I'm like, 'Okay, one more.'"
On first-and-10 from the Packers' 2-yard line just five minutes into the third quarter, Johnson stepped up into the hole and brought down Starks for a gain of just 3 yards.
Just like that, the former Waco High School Lion and Texas Longhorns linebacker established himself as the best in the history of the Chiefs organization in the most basic statistic in all of football on a skill most associated with the sport—tackling the guy with the ball.
Johnson has now done that more than anyone to ever wear the red and gold.
A collection of photos from 2015 and the career of Chiefs all-time leading tackler Derrick Johnson.




















Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) communicates with teammates during the Dec. 21, 2008 home game against the Miami Dolphins. The Chiefs lost 31-38.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) celebrates a fumble recovery during the Oct. 20, 2013 home game against the Houston Texans. The Chiefs won 17-16.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) during the National Anthem before the game against the Washington Redskins on Dec 8th.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) signals to his teammates during the Dec. 23, 2006 away game against the Oakland Raiders. The Chiefs won 20-9.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday afternoon on the 8th of September 2013 at EverBank Field. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Jaguars 28-2.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) looks into the offensive backfield during the Nov. 6, 2011 home game against the Miami Dolphins. The Chiefs lost 3-31.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) stands on the field during the Dec. 11, 2005 away game against the Dallas Cowboys. The Chiefs lost 28-31.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) tries to block a pass during the Dec. 17, 2005 away game against the New York Giants. The Chiefs lost 17-27.

Kansas City Chiefs linebackers Tamba Hali (91) and Derrick Johnson (56) warm up before the Aug. 17, 2014 away game against the Carolina Panthers. The Chiefs lost 16-28.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) runs with the ball after making an interception during the Jan. 3, 2009 away game against the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs won 44-24.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) stands on the field during the Sept. 7, 2008 away game against the New England Patriots. The Chiefs lost 10-17.

Kansas City Chiefs linebackers Derrick Johnson (56), Justin Houston (50) and Tamba Hali (91) pose for the camera before the 2012 Pro Bowl.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) celebrates a touchdown during the Oct. 20, 2013 home game against the Houston Texans. The Chiefs won 17-16.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) tackles a ballcarrier during the Dec. 1, 2013 home game against the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs lost 28-35.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) celebrates a big play during the Dec. 1, 2013 home game against the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs lost 28-35.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) sacks quarterback Andrew Luck (12) during the Dec. 22, 2013 home game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Chiefs lost 7-23.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) interacts with a young fan during a 2014 community relations event.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) enters the field before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013.
"It was bittersweet because you're always focused on getting a win," Johnson said of breaking the record in the loss to the Packers, "but it was a humbling experience. Even though I knew as long as I stayed healthy it was coming, when it finally hit me, especially at home just looking up in the air, I felt very blessed."
When asked what he wants that record to say about him 15 years down the road, Johnson said he wants to be remembered as reliable and selfless.
"I want that record to speak volumes that this guy was tough, this guy was reliable," he said. "If you were looking for a linebacker to make a play, Derrick Johnson was probably one of the first guys to make a play for us.
"Just a guy that was a team guy, all about winning, trying to make the guy next to me better. I have played with a lot of good guys around me, too, so I can't take all of the credit."

As appreciative as he is of the record and what it will mean when his career is finished, Johnson is happy all of the talk about it is now behind him and he can focus on picking up a win on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals (3-0), who come into that game as one of the most impressive and balanced teams in the NFL through the first three games of the season.
"They're a very explosive offense," Johnson explained. [Quarterback] Andy Dalton is hot right now, and it's going to be hard to stop him going into their place.
"It's a great opportunity and a great challenge for us, but when the opportunity sees itself, we have to show up to the task. We'll come out a lot better than we did last week."
Despite the back-to-back losses over the past two weeks, Johnson explained that this group is different than some of the teams he played on earlier in his career that struggled to win games throughout entire seasons.
"The difference with this team is we're a lot more tough-minded," Johnson explained. "We've got a different swagger to us and we're a very confident group. Our confidence comes from Andy Reid—he's at the top of the food chain and it spreads all throughout.
"If you ever want to do something great in life or in football, you have to go through a little adversity. The good thing is it's still early in the season, but we're a confident group and we have to show what we really have."
Johnson has returned from the Achilles injury that cost him his entire 2014 season better than most expected. He's still one of the best inside linebackers in football and has consistently showed the closing speed that has been most associated with his playmaking ability throughout his career.
As they prepare for their matchup with a red-hot Bengals team on Sunday, Johnson is excited to get one big piece of their defense back this week as veteran cornerback Sean Smith returns after a three-game suspension.
"I'm already smiling about Sean Smith being back," Johnson said. "That's going to be a great addition to our defense. He's our number one corner. Of course we've got Marcus Peters and those guys playing really well, but Sean Smith is a veteran in this league. Big corner, about my size. He's a guy who's going to be on the number on receiver, and we need that from our secondary just to make our defense more whole.
"It's going to be great man, I can't wait until Sunday."