Derrick Johnson devoted practically his entire NFL career to the Kansas City Chiefs , becoming a beloved franchise legend. Now, he'll be recognized as such in the Chiefs Hall of Fame.
The Kansas City
Chiefs have announced that they will induct LB Derrick Johnson as their 51st player and 55th individual into the Chiefs Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor during the 2026 NFL season.
A former first-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Texas, Johnson spent 13 years of his 14-year NFL career in Kansas City. He appeared in 182 games with 169 starts, good for the most of any linebacker in franchise history.
"My family and I are honored to welcome Derrick Johnson as the newest member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Derrick is one of the all-time greats, and he was a cornerstone of our franchise for more than a decade. He represents everything we value in a Kansas City Chiefs player – consistency, toughness, leadership, and a deep commitment to his teammates and to our community. From the moment he arrived as a first-round draft pick, Derrick set the standard for how the game should be played and how a player should carry himself. A four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, and multi-year team captain, Derrick's impact went far beyond the stat sheet. He helped to set the championship culture in our locker room, and brought that same energy into the community where he served as a role model for countless young people. That's why he was beloved by fans throughout Chiefs Kingdom. We look forward to celebrating Derrick and his remarkable career at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall."
Clark hunt
CHIEFS CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Johnson's time with the Chiefs (2013-2017) unfortunately came before their recent run of success. However, he helped the team reach the playoffs six times during his career.
Over 13 seasons in Kansas City and one in Oakland, Johnson notched 1,163 total tackles, 77 passes defensed, 71 tackles-for-loss, 40 quarterback hurries, 27.5 sacks, 23 forced fumbles, and eight fumble recoveries. During his time with the Chiefs, he recorded 1,146 total tackles. That number stands alone as the most tackles in franchise history. He remains the only player for the Chiefs to record more than 1,000 tackles.
Mack Lee Hill Award Winner (2005)
AP All-Pro (2011, 2015)
Pro Bowl (2011-2013, 2015)
Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (2020)
"I am so grateful and honored to be inducted into the Chiefs Ring of Honor," Johnson said, via press release. "I played 13 years in Arrowhead and always dreamed of one day having my name at the top of the stadium alongside of other legends. I want to thank Clark Hunt and the entire Chiefs organization for making my dreams come true. To the fans, your passion made every moment unforgettable and now my name will echo in the stadium and through the hearts of Chiefs Kingdom forever. Thank you, Lord."
There is no official date for Johnson's enshrinement ceremony into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. If the past two seasons are any indication, it'll come in Week 14. Johnson's Chiefs teammate, Tamba Hali
, was inducted during the team's Week 14 game against the Chargers
in 2024. Bill Maas was inducted in 2025
during the Week 14 game vs. the Texans
.
