Derrick Johnson, the Kansas City Chiefs all-time leader in tackles, is set to become a free agent.
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The news came from the franchise's official website. The team released a statement to go along with the news:
"Few players in recent history have meant more to the Chiefs franchise and the Kansas City community than Derrick Johnson," Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. "His tireless work ethic and passion for the game made him one of the most productive defensive players to ever wear a Chiefs uniform and one of the most respected players both in our locker room and around the league. Over the last 13 seasons, Derrick represented himself and the Chiefs organization with integrity and class, and he will always be a part of our Chiefs family."
The former NFL Draft first-round selection's part of the statement:
"I've been blessed to be a part of the Kansas City Chiefs organization my entire career," Johnson said. "I'd like to thank the Hunt family, my coaches, teammates and the staff for the tremendous amount of support I received over the years. I love Kansas City and this fan base, they've always had my back. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to spend 13 years in a place I love. I plan on playing for several more years because I love this game so much, but I look forward to retiring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs when my career is over. I'll miss my Chiefs teammates - we made a lot of big plays together over the years - and I wish them the best in bringing a championship home to the best and loudest fans in the NFL."
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Johnson played in 182 games for Kansas City. In that time, he acquired 27.5 sacks, 40 quarterback pressures, 14 interceptions, and managed for force 23 fumbles.
In his career, Johnson has 939 tackles. That is, you know, a lot. He had a career-high 179 tackles in 2011.
Johnson tore his Achilles in the season opener in 2014 and again late in the season in 2016. Now 35, it will be interesting to see what value he has on the open market.
