LB Derrick Johnson Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Oct 01, 2008, 8:43:28 AM

The National Football League informed the Chiefs on Wednesday that LB Derrick Johnson has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in Week Four of the 2008 NFL regular season. This marks the first time Johnson has earned this distinction, becoming the first Chiefs linebacker to win this honor since LB Mike Maslowski took home AFC Defensive POW accolades in Week Eight of 2002.

Johnson (6-3, 242) was a principle contributor to the Chiefs winning their first game of the season by a 33-19 margin over previously unbeaten AFC West rival Denver. The fourth-year pro contributed seven tackles, a half of a sack (-4.5 yards), a forced fumble that led to a touchdown drive and an INT in the Kansas City victory. He has also been nominated for GMC Sierra Defensive Player of the Week honors following his performance against the Broncos. Fans can vote for Johnson to take home that award on NFL.com/gmc until Thursday at 3:00 PM (Central).

Johnson has appeared in 49 NFL contests (48 starts) for Kansas City and owns 320 tackles (257 solo), 12.0 sacks (-83.0 yards), three INTs, 19 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 20 QB pressures. The Waco, Texas native was the Chiefs first-round draft pick in 2005 (15th overall) following a standout collegiate career at Texas.