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Derrick Thomas for Hall of Fame? I Vote Yes

Feb 2, 2007 – 5:29 AM
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Michael David Smith

Michael David Smith %BloggerTitle%

A regular feature profiling each of the 17 candidates for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Name: Derrick Thomas

Position: Linebacker

Career:
1989-1999 Kansas City Chiefs

Pros: NFL record seven sacks in one game. Named to nine Pro Bowls. Had the most sacks in NFL during the 1990s.

Cons:
Much better as a pass rusher than a run-stopper; in fact, many considered him a liability against the run.


Verdict: Although there were times when I thought Thomas was too much of a boom-and-bust player (lots of big plays but also lots of missed plays), he was such a game-changing pass rusher that I've changed my mind.
He gets a vote of YES.

Previous votes:
NO: Richard Dent, Fred Dean, Ray Guy, Michael Irvin, Bob Kuechenberg, Art Monk, Andre Reed, Charlie Sanders, Gary Zimmerman, Roger Wehrli, Andre Tippett
YES: Russ Grimm, Gene Hickerson, Bruce Matthews, Paul Tagliabue, Thurman Thomas
Note: By rule, the Hall of Fame must induct between three and six new members.
Filed under: Sports

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