Linebacker Derrick Johnson to be inducted into Chiefs Hall of Fame

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- A longtime Kansas City Chiefs linebacker is heading into the organization's Hall of Fame.

On Thursday morning, Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt announced that Derrick Johnson will be the 55th individual inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame.

"My family and I are honored to welcome Derrick Johnson as the newest member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame,” Hunt said. “Derrick is one of the all-time greats, and he was a cornerstone of our franchise for more than a decade. He represents everything we value in a Kansas City Chiefs player – consistency, toughness, leadership, and a deep commitment to his teammates and to our community."

Johnson was a first-round draft pick in 2005 by the Chiefs. He played 13 of his 14 years (2005-17) in Kansas City.

“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.”

The former Texas Longhorn was a two-time AP All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection. Johnson finished with 1,163 tackles, 77 passes defended, 71 tackles-for-loss, 40 quarterback hurries, 27.5 sacks, 23 forced fumbles, and eight fumble recoveries in his career.

Johnson's 1,146 tackles as a Chiefs linebacker is the most in franchise history. He is the only player in franchise history with more than 1,000 tackles in a Chiefs uniform.

In 2020, Johnson was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Johnson will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame during the 2026 regular season at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.