Quotes from Thomas’ Teammates
Jan. 31, 2009
“He deserved this. He revolutionized his position. He was a defensive player who took the game into his own hands. He was a playmaker on the defensive side, which was unusual.
“It would have meant a lot to him. He loved the game, and he loved the tradition. He would be overjoyed by this.
“It doesn’t matter how many years it takes. Once you get in there, that’s all that matters.”
- C Tim Grunhard
“He was so close the last two years that you knew it was just a matter of time. There are a lot of great players, so sometimes you have to wait your turn. He was such a great player that you knew he’d make it. He was so good at what he did. When the game was at Arrowhead and the crowd was in it and he’d beat the other team on the snap counts, they didn’t have a chance.
“It was worth the wait.”
- DT Dan Saleaumua
“It was way overdue. If he was still with us, it would be a celebration. Derrick was very, very proud of what he had done. This is something he really wanted. He didn’t have the opportunity to be here to enjoy it, but he put his mark on the NFL and he would be excited about that.
“I was a little afraid to get my hopes up this year. I was scared he might fall through the cracks. I knew eventually it was going to happen, and you know what? Sometimes it’s good to wait. Regardless of how long he had to wait, he’s in the Hall of Fame now, and he’ll be there forever.”
- DE Neil Smith
from Kansas City.com
