Derrick Thomas To Be Posthumously Honored With Hall Of Fame Ring Of Excellence

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The family of the late Derrick Thomas, a former standout for the Crimson Tide and a Pro Football Hall of Fame member, will see the memory of the legendary linebacker honored on Thursday when they are presented his Pro Football Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence.

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Inducted in 2009 following his untimely death following a 2000 automobile crash, Thomas will be recognized with a presentation of his Ring of Excellence as the Kansas City Chiefs — the only team Thomas ever played for — hosts the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame said in an announcement that Thomas will be represented by Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt along with Betty Brown, who serves resident of Thomas’ Third & Long Foundation; and his former teammate and current officer for the charity, Neil Smith.

The ring will be displayed in the Chiefs Hall of Honor alongside other items from his 11 years in Kansas City.

ALSO READ | 'The Youngin Could Play': Coaches Remember Life Of Derrick Thomas

It's worth pointing out that the Pro Football Hall of Fame last November revised its policy regarding the presentation of the Ring of Excellence to enshrinees elected posthumously, with only living Hall of Famers previously receiving the ring.

With the new policy, though, members enshrined posthumously receiving a ring are those who are survived by a spouse, an adult child or a parent.

A posthumous member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Thomas logged one of the most storied individual careers in Crimson Tide football history, going on to win the Butkus Award and All-American honors in 1988.

Thomas was then drafted No. 4 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1989 NFL Draft.

Even more iconic than his time in Tuscaloosa, Thomas earned nine Pro Bowl selections and was named to the NFL's 1990s All-Decade Team.

The No. 58 worn by Thomas was retired by the Chiefs following his death and Thomas was also posthumously inducted into the franchise's Hall of Fame.

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