What They’re Saying About Derrick Thomas
Aug. 8, 2009
Chiefs president Denny Thum:
“This has been a long time in coming. What’s great is all the Chiefs fans that are here and came out to see this. Those back in Kansas City are going to feel left out knowing all the people here are having a tremendous time.”
Former Chiefs head coach Marty Schottenheimer:
“He was a dominating player in the National Football League, and this is what it’s all about, dominating players.”
Former Chiefs guard Dave Szott:
“Derrick was one of the most explosive players I’ve ever been around and changed many games I was a part of. Out of respect to him, his mother, the game, and the time I was with the Chiefs, I thought it was important to honor him.”
Former Chiefs defensive end Neil Smith, wearing a No. 58 Derrick Thomas 1996 AFC Pro Bowl jersey:
“It’s an All-Pro day. It’s full of stars, and that’s what Derrick was, a star. That’s why I wanted to pull it out.”
Monte Short, aka “Arrowman”, clad in a John Elway jersey riddled with arrows:
“It’s exciting to have a new-era type of Chiefs player go in instead of the ones who won the Super Bowl. This is the first inductee from the new era. And he was just awesome.”
Former major-league umpire Steve Palermo
“I was friends with Derrick early on his career. I did some work with him with his Third and Long Foundation. He was fun to be around. He was that big kid all the time.”
from Kansas City.com
