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Thomas Getting Closer to Joining NFL's Elite
Jan. 12, 2005
Derrick Thomas' bid for induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame advanced Tuesday when he was announced as one of this year's 15 finalists.
The final steps come next month when Hall of Fame selectors narrow the field to six candidates. At least three candidates must be elected, but the total class cannot number more than six.
This year's class will be announced Feb. 5.
Former Missouri player Roger Wehrli is also among the finalists. Wehrli was a defensive back for the St. Louis Cardinals after leaving Missouri.
Other prominent players among the finalists are quarterbacks Dan Marino and Steve Young, and wide receiver Michael Irvin.
Thomas, who played for the Chiefs during 1989-99, finished his career with 126½ sacks, fourth highest among NFL linebackers. He died five years ago from complications after an auto accident.
“I'm very pleased about it,” Chiefs president/general manager Carl Peterson said. “Hopefully, he can make the final six and be inducted in his first year of eligibility. Without any question it's an honor for him to be among the finalists. In his first year of eligibility, it's a real statement that he was a player who richly deserves this recognition.
“In my particular experience in the National Football League, I can remember only three players who had the ability to change the complexion of a game all by themselves. One was Lawrence Taylor, one was Reggie White and the other was Derrick Thomas.”
If Thomas is elected, he would join owner Lamar Hunt and 10 other men in the Hall of Fame who played for or coached the Chiefs: linebacker Bobby Bell, middle linebacker Willie Lanier, quarterback Len Dawson, defensive tackle Buck Buchanan, kicker Jan Stenerud, coach Hank Stram, running back Marcus Allen, center Mike Webster, quarterback Joe Montana and coach Marv Levy.
from Kansas City.com
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