Derrick Thomas Cause of Death and Obituary, Who was Derrick Thomas? What Happened to Derrick Thomas? How Did Derrick Thomas Die?
by Sona | Updated Feb 17, 2024
Derrick Thomas Cause of Death and Obituary
Derrick Thomas, a celebrated player for the Kansas City Chiefs, tragically passed away at the age of 33. The cause of his death was a pulmonary embolism, a massive blood clot that formed in his legs and traveled to his lungs. This fatal condition occurred about a month after he was involved in a severe car crash during a snowstorm on January 23, 2000, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.
Despite the devastating circumstances of his passing, Derrick Thomas's impact on the world of football was profound. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Chiefs history, known for his exceptional talent and contributions to the team's defense throughout his entire career.
During his time with the Chiefs, Derrick Thomas earned numerous accolades, including two first-team All-Pro selections and nine Pro Bowl appearances. His remarkable skills as a sack artist and his unwavering commitment to the game endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
In recognition of his extraordinary career, Derrick Thomas was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. Additionally, the Chiefs retired his jersey number, 58, and renamed their Player of the Year award in his honor as the Derrick Thomas Award, paying tribute to his lasting legacy on and off the field.
Though his life was tragically cut short, Derrick Thomas's memory lives on as an indelible part of football history. He remains a beloved figure, remembered not only for his prowess as a player but also for his resilience, determination, and impact on the game he loved.
Who was Derrick Thomas?
Derrick Thomas was an American football player who played for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL. He was really good at getting to the quarterback, so people called him one of the best pass rushers ever. He played with the Chiefs for 11 years until he died in 2000.
Derrick went to college at the University of Alabama, where he won an award for being a great linebacker. Then, he got picked by the Chiefs in 1989 to play for them. During his career, Derrick got picked for the Pro Bowl nine times and was chosen as the best player at his position twice. He even set a record for the most sacks in a single game.
But sadly, after the 1999 season ended, Derrick got hurt in a car accident and later died because of a problem with his lungs. Even though he passed away, people still remember him for being amazing at football. In 2009, Derrick was put into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is a big honor for football players.
Then, in 2014, he was also put into the College Football Hall of Fame because of how well he played in college. Even though Derrick isn't around anymore, his skill and talent on the football field will always be remembered by fans and players alike.
Name
Derrick Thomas
Date of Birth
January 1, 1967
Place of Birth
Miami, Florida, USA
Date of Death
February 8, 2000
Age
33
Cause of Death
Pulmonary embolism
Profession
Professional Football Player
Team
Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
Position
Linebacker, Defensive End
College
University of Alabama
Height
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight
255 lb (116 kg)
Derrick Thomas Early Life and Career
Derrick Thomas was born in Miami, Florida, and his mom, Edith Morgan, raised him because his dad, Robert James Thomas, passed away when Derrick was young. He played football in high school at South Miami Senior High School.
After high school, Derrick went to the University of Alabama. There, he played football with other great players like Cornelius Bennett and Keith McCants. They broke a lot of records and Derrick won an award called the Butkus Award in 1988. He also became a big star in college football, and in 2014, he was put into the College Football Hall of Fame.
In 1989, Derrick got picked by the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Draft. He started playing really well right away, getting lots of sacks and awards. He even set records for the Chiefs and made it to the Pro Bowl many times.
Derrick had a great career, but sadly, he got hurt sometimes, and his life ended early in a car crash in 2000. Even though he passed away, people still remember him as one of the best football players ever. In 2009, he was put into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Chiefs retired his jersey number, 58, to honor him.
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Derrick Thomas Stats
Year
Team
Games
Tackles
Fumbles
GP
GS
Cmb
Solo
Ast
Sck
Sfty
FF
FR
Yds
TD
Blk
1989
KC
16
16
75
56
19
10.0
0
3
1
0
0
0
1990
KC
15
15
63
47
16
20.0
0
6
2
14
0
0
1991
KC
16
15
79
60
19
13.5
0
4
4
23
1
0
1992
KC
16
16
67
54
13
14.5
0
8
3
0
1
0
1993
KC
16
15
43
32
11
8.0
0
4
1
86
1
0
1994
KC
16
15
71
67
4
11.0
1
3
3
11
0
0
1995
KC
15
15
53
48
5
8.0
0
2
1
0
0
0
1996
KC
16
14
55
49
6
13.0
0
4
1
0
0
1
1997
KC
12
10
34
30
4
9.5
1
3
0
0
0
0
1998
KC
15
10
42
35
7
12.0
1
2
2
27
1
0
1999
KC
16
16
60
54
6
7.0
0
2
1
0
0
0
Career
169
157
642
532
110
126.5
3
41
19
161
4
1
Derrick Thomas Age
Derrick Thomas was born in Miami, Florida, USA, on January 1, 1967. He spent his early years growing up in Miami, where he discovered his passion for football and began his journey in the sport. Tragically, Derrick Thomas passed away at the relatively young age of 33. On February 8, 2000, he died in Miami, Florida, the city where he was born. His untimely death came as a shock to many, leaving behind a void in the football community.
Despite his short life, Derrick Thomas achieved remarkable success and left a lasting impact on the sport of football. His talent, dedication, and contributions to the game continue to be remembered fondly by fans, teammates, and coaches. Even though he was taken from the world too soon, Derrick Thomas's legacy lives on through his impressive achievements and the memories he created on and off the football field.
Derrick Thomas's age at the time of his passing serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Though gone, his spirit endures in the hearts of those who admired and respected him.
Derrick Thomas Height and Weight
Derrick Thomas, the legendary football player, stood tall at a height of 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) and weighed in at 255 pounds (116 kilograms). These measurements made him a formidable presence on the football field, with a combination of size, strength, and agility.
At 6 feet 3 inches tall, Derrick had an imposing stature that allowed him to tower over many opponents. This height advantage gave him an edge in various aspects of the game, including tackling, blocking, and reaching for passes. Weighing 255 pounds, Derrick possessed the bulk and power necessary to excel as a linebacker and defensive end. His weight provided him with the ability to deliver crushing tackles and effectively engage in physical battles with opposing players.
Despite his impressive size, Derrick was also known for his agility and speed. He utilized his athleticism to maneuver around opponents and make swift, decisive movements on the field. Throughout his career, Derrick's height and weight played a crucial role in his success as one of the most dominant players in the NFL.
His physical attributes, coupled with his skill and determination, contributed to his legacy as a football icon. Derrick Thomas's height of 6 feet 3 inches and weight of 255 pounds were key factors in his remarkable football career, enabling him to leave an indelible mark on the sport and inspire generations of athletes to come.
What Happened to Derrick Thomas?
Derrick Thomas, a beloved player for the Kansas City Chiefs, faced a tragic fate. In January 2000, during a snowstorm, his SUV crashed, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. Despite the accident, he battled on. However, just a month later, he tragically passed away at the age of 33 due to a blood clot in his lungs.
Despite his untimely death, Derrick's impact on football was profound. Known for his exceptional talent and skill, he earned numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He remains revered as one of the greatest players to grace the Chiefs' roster.
Derrick's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. He continues to be remembered for his contributions to the Chiefs' defense and his lasting impact on the sport of football. In recognition of his remarkable career, Derrick was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
His jersey number, 58, was retired by the Chiefs, and their Player of the Year award was renamed in his honor. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, Derrick Thomas's memory lives on, cherished by fans and players alike.
Derrick Thomas Cause of Death and Obituary - FAQs
Derrick Thomas was an American football player who played for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL.
Derrick Thomas, a beloved player for the Kansas City Chiefs, faced a tragic fate.
Derrick Thomas passed away due to a pulmonary embolism, a massive blood clot that developed in his legs and traveled to his lungs.
Derrick Thomas tragically passed away on February 8, 2000, at the age of 33.
Derrick Thomas was a professional football player, renowned for his career with the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL.