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Thomas Inducted Into Chiefs Hall of Fame
Feb. 18, 2001
The late Derrick Thomas took his place among the elite players in Chiefs history Saturday night when he was officially inducted into the team's Hall of Fame during the 31st annual 101 Banquet at the Westin Crown Center.
Thomas' induction capped a star-studded night that was highlighted by the appearance of country music star and longtime Thomas friend Hank Williams Jr.
Thomas' name will be added to the Arrowhead "Ring of Honor" during a game next season and his bust will join those of other past Chiefs greats inside the team's Arrowhead offices.
"The memory of Derrick Thomas will always be inside Arrowhead Stadium," said Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt, who along with wife, Norma, gave the induction speech. "The east end zone will always be his end zone. That quarterback sack along with that strip will always be a part of Arrowhead history."
One of most poignant moments of the night came during a speech by Thomas' mother, Edith Morgan.
In an emotional address, Morgan encouraged support of Thomas' Third and Long educational foundation, stressed seat belt awareness and thanked the Hunts and team president Carl Peterson for their support of Thomas in the weeks following the car accident that eventually led to his death last February.
"I know that he is looking down on us and smiling on us today," Morgan said. "Thank you all from the bottom of my heart."
Former Chiefs quarterback Rich Gannon received the AFC Offensive Player of the Year Award for guiding the Oakland Raiders to an AFC West title and an appearance in the AFC championship game.
Gannon was introduced by former Oakland quarterback Jim Plunkett, who, like Gannon, bounced around the NFL before finding a home with the Raiders.
"I don't think you realize what an honor it is to be here and receive this award tonight," Gannon said. "I am so thankful to the 101 club not only for this award but also for the opportunity to come back to Kansas City, my home away from home. I have a lot of wonderful memories of KC and my time here."
The Chiefs also handed out their annual team awards. Safety Greg Wesley earned the Mack Lee Hill award, given to the team's top rookie; wide receiver Derrick Alexander earned the Derrick Thomas MVP award.
from kc star
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