After the era dominated by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, the Kansas City Chiefs, led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, cemented their place in NFL history by clinching back-to-back Lombardi Trophies. Amidst this triumph, Chiefs fans are now fervently hoping for a remarkable three-peat following Mahomes’ recent revelation of their ambitious aspirations.
Nevertheless, long before this era of celebration, former Chiefs defensive lineman Derrick Thomas achieved a monumental feat that continues to shine brightly in the annals of NFL history.
NFL players are unlikely to break Derrick Thomas’ record
It’s been over three decades, yet Derrick Thomas’ extraordinary performance still stands as an unmatched feat in NFL history. On November 11, 1990, the former Kansas City Chiefs player etched his name in the record books by sacking Seahawks quarterback Dave Krieg an astonishing seven times in a single game. The record remains untouched to this day.
His dominance on the field was unparalleled, with his signature sack-and-strip move striking fear into opposing quarterbacks. Thomas’ record-breaking performance solidified his status as one of the most formidable defensive players of his era.
Prior to his historic achievement, the record for most sacks in a game belonged to San Francisco 49ers DE Fred Dean, who tallied six sacks in 1983 against the New Orleans Saints. Thomas’ remarkable feat surpassed Dean’s record and remains unmatched, with only three other players managing to reach six sacks in a single game since then, including Thomas himself in 1998.
Nevertheless, his extraordinary efforts in the game ended in disappointment for the Chiefs, as the Seahawks secured a narrow 17-16 victory. The fourth-quarter touchdown pass from Krieg to WR Paul Skansi in the game’s final moments stole the game from the Chiefs. The loss marked the Chiefs’ fourth defeat of the season.
Nevertheless, Thomas’ exceptional performance during the 1990 season was not overshadowed by the outcome of that particular game. He went on to achieve remarkable success, leading the league with 20 sacks that season. He also earned a well-deserved selection to the Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors.
Throughout his illustrious NFL career, Derrick Thomas continued to showcase his dominance on the field, earning nine consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1989 to 1997.
What was Derrick Thomas’ net worth when he died?
Derrick Thomas tragically passed away on February 8, 2000, following an auto accident that occurred on January 23, 2000, in Kansas City. The accident, which happened in Miami, Florida, ultimately claimed his life. Despite earning an estimated $20 million during his final six seasons with the Chiefs, reports indicate that Thomas’s estate was valued at less than $2 million at the time of his passing.
Although Thomas had amassed significant earnings throughout his career, financial challenges seemed to have arisen, leaving his estate with considerably less than expected. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that he had a $1.2 million insurance policy and an additional $300,000 policy from the NFL Players Association.
At the time of the incident, Thomas was not wearing a seatbelt, which resulted in severe injuries and ultimately led to his untimely demise about two weeks later. Sadly, he succumbed to complications arising from paralysis, passing away approximately two weeks after the accident due to a blood clot.
Throughout his life, Thomas was not only known for his prowess on the football field but also for his philanthropic endeavors. He founded the Derrick Thomas Third and Long Foundation, which aimed to support children and families in need. Even after his passing, his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history lives on, with his record-breaking seven-sack game.
