Derrick Thomas named to HOF Class 2009 - jmik58's Blog

jmik58's Blog

Derrick Thomas named to HOF Class 2009

Posted on January 31, 2009 at 08:00 PM.

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My childhood hero has been selected to join the NFL Hall of Fame in 2009!

The reason I was #58 throughout my football playing days and the "58" to my username, DT was taken from this earth during the prime of his career.

He paved the way for speed rushers like Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers, and Javon Kearse. Essentially he showed how valuable a player of that caliber at that position could be in the NFL.

However, Thomas also had the versatility to step back and play OLB. He wasn't a run-stuffer and never bragged about his ability to stop the run, but no one cares how many QB sacks Ray Lewis has either.

The point being, he was one of the best to ever play the position and he has finally been honored as such.

More importantly, it was sad to see him leave the game and lose his life through tragic circumstances. His legacy will forever be remembered now. Amen to that.

Sounds like another road trip to Canton this July.

Comments

# 1 Richzilla @ Jan 31

Wow that's great news. He was an awesome guy for sure.

I remember the day he had his wreck. It was icy and he was heading to the airport to go to the rams game.

I'm from the mid west and had the privilege of seeing him play with the chiefs a number of times.

This is great

# 2 matt8204 @ Jan 31

Bob Hayes finally got in also. Well-deserved honors for both of them. It's just a shame that Derrick isn't around to enjoy this; hopefully he's smiling down from heaven.