TODAY’S THIRD AND LONG FOUNDATION “SPOTLIGHT”

The primary mission of the Derrick Thomas/Neil Smith Third and Long Foundation is to support and improve reading and learning abilities of disadvantaged school children in Kansas City, Missouri and its surrounding areas. The Foundation strives to change the lives of 9-13 year old urban children facing challenging and even life-threatening situations. For more information, please visit: http://www.thirdandlong.org/

Neil Smith and a 3rd and Long Student at a Luncheon Series Event

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TODAY’S “D.T. MEMORY”

Earned consensus Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and his initial Pro Bowl berth, becoming the first Kansas City rookie to make the Pro Bowl since RB Joe Delaney following the ‘81 season. He became the first Chiefs outside linebacker to earn a spot in that game since Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Bell in ‘73. Was also named the Chiefs Mack Lee Hill Award Winner.

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JOIN IN THE FUN AT KANSAS CITY’S CHANCE TO CELEBRATE “D.T.’s” ROAD TO THE HALL

On Friday, July 31, 2009 from 5:00-8:30 PM the Third and Long Foundation will host a free “Celebration” recognizing Thomas’ impending Hall of Fame Induction. Being held at City Market in Kansas City, Missouri, this free event will feature autographs from Chiefs Alumni players in addition to visits by Chiefs Cheerleaders and KC Wolf, music, inflatables and face painting. Derrick Thomas Hall of Fame merchandise as well as food and drinks will be on sale at this festival-style event. The evening will be capped off with a special program allowing Derrick’s teammates and friends to share their memories of this all-time great.

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REMEMBERING LB DERRICK THOMAS

The late LB Derrick Thomas was a stalwart member of the Kansas City Chiefs on and off the field for the final 11 years of his life. Thomas was the fourth overall selection in the ‘89 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama. A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Thomas registered a franchise-record 126.5 career sacks. The Miami, Florida native also holds Chiefs records for career safeties (3), forced fumbles (45) and fumble recoveries (19). Only two players in NFL history own more safeties or fumble return TDs (4) than Thomas. He ranks sixth in team history with 728 career tackles (558 solo) and also contributed 34 passes defense, 444 QB pressures and one INT. In recognition of his stellar NFL career, Thomas will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame along with the rest of this year’s enshrinement class on August 8, in Canton, OH.

Still, as vast as Thomas’ legacy was on the field, he also left an indelible mark in the Kansas City Community. Since he formed the Third and Long Foundation in 1990, more than 60 Chiefs players have created individual player foundation and/or charitable programming. Through his foundation, he attacked illiteracy with the same ferocity that he sacked opposing quarterbacks. Among other community activities, he also spearheaded the Chiefs Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive and would personally deliver these holiday baskets to the needy. Former President George H.W. Bush named Thomas as the “832nd point of light” for all his charitable endeavors. Thomas was also recognized as the 1993 NFL Man of the Year and garnered the Byron “Whizzer” White Humanitarian Award in 1995.

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Derrick Thomas Photo Gallery

Thomas establishes the NFL single-game sack record with 7.0 sacks vs. Seattle (11/11/90).