Derrick Thomas (January 1 1967-February 8 2000) was a NFL linebacker who played for the Kansas City Chiefs. Born in Miami, Thomas was raised by his mother, as his father died during a mission in the Vietnam War. A standout at the University of Alabama, Thomas was selected in the first round of the 1989 NFL draft, fourth overall, and was signed by the Chiefs. He would remain with the Chiefs for the entirety of his career.

Thomas's rookie year was very successful, earning him Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Sporting News, and was the first Chiefs' linebacker to be elected to the Pro Bowl in his first season since hall of famer Bobby Bell. He would appear in nine.

Possibly one of the best linebackers of his era, and one of the most highly visible Chiefs players, Thomas was known best for his high sack totals. His career total sacks amounted to 126.5, of which 7 occurred in a single game, against Seattle's Dave Krieg in 1990, which is an NFL record. He ranks fifth all-time in Chiefs history with 649 career tackles, and is one of only 16 players to achieve more than 100 sacks.

On January 23, 2000, Thomas was severely injured in an car wreck, that left him with debilitating spinal cord injuries. He died on February 8th in Miami, due to a massive pulmonary embolism related to his injuries.