Tag: derrick thomas

Danan Hughes reflects on Marcus Allen’s touchdown pass, favorite Chiefs moment

Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Danan Hughes, who reflected on his touchdown reception from a pass by Marcus Allen and his favorite #Chiefs memory. | w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Danan Hughes, one of the unsung heroes on the special teams unit in the 1990s.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Hughes opened up about his upcoming appearance at the Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate at Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar on October 26 and 27 in Las Vegas. He also reflected on his touchdown reception from a pass by a Hall of Fame running back, and his favorite memories with the Chiefs.

“Yeah, I’m excited. Getting to Vegas is always exciting, and that was the scene of our Super Bowl win this past year,” Hughes said. “It will be fun to get back there and play against the Raiders up until this point. That is also the team that was the last to beat us last season before we went on the run to win the Super Bowl. So there’s always an incentive to be in Raider Nation and play against the rivals in the Las Vegas Raiders. But then, being a part of that event with my former teammate, Mark McMillan should also be fun. So yeah, I’m looking forward to it. It should be a blast to get out there. There will be a lot of Chiefs fans and Raiders fans, and it should be fun to mix and mingle.”

Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar is located just steps away from Allegiant Stadium at Mandalay Bay and creates a “50-yard-line” experience with a 30 ft. LED viewing screen commanding the main dining room and TVs throughout.

Hughes opened up on a famous touchdown pass he caught on Monday Night Football in 1997 from Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen.

“Yeah, it was great,” Hughes said of the trick play. “We had practiced it for a few weeks before, and it being Monday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers made it even more rewarding. For a guy who had a few starts at wide receiver but was mainly known for my special team’s acumen and being a captain of the special teams for four of my six years, it was always rewarding to be able to get an opportunity to be in on offense and be intricate in a scoring drive. So that’s a great memory. It’s one of my highlights.”

The touchdown reception was great, but it was not necessarily Hughes’ favorite with the Chiefs because choosing one is complicated.

“People always ask me what the most memorable moment I had,” Hughes continued. “It’s tough because the first thing that comes to mind is a play like that, but then, being in the huddle with Joe Montana, being a part of the AFC Championship, walking out, I got a picture in my basement of going to a coin toss as a captain, and in the picture is Joe, Montana, Marcus, Allen, Neil Smith, I believe Derek Thomas and Dan Marino because we were playing the Miami Dolphins.

“I’m like, somebody doesn’t belong in this picture, so for me to be a part of that and have that memory. It’s tough to pinpoint one because I was a part of so many great times and great memories that I can still recollect, and the Chiefs fans still remember them. There are times when people will come up to me at the stadium or if I’m at a restaurant and talk about the 90s and some of the great games, Monday Night Football, winning close games, being a part of some great drives, and the miracle at Mile High that just made it so special. So all of it has been a true blessing for me.”

https://youtube.com/shorts/UnQKCbmWjYI?si=qbDkho26_eTdrFKO

For more information on the Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate at Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, log on to flankerlv.com

Danan Hughes on embracing role as Chiefs ambassador, tales from tenure in K.C.

Former #Chiefs WR Danan Hughes told Ed Easton Jr. about his role as a team ambassador, and reminisced on his six-year tenure in Kansas City. | w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Danan Hughes, one of the unsung heroes on the special teams unit in the 1990s.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Hughes opened up about his upcoming appearance at the Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate at Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar on October 26 and 27 in Las Vegas, his role as an ambassador with the Chiefs, and his reflections on his career as a player.

“I played in the early 90s and created an atmosphere of embracing the community, [and] I’m still working in the community,” Hughes explained. “I’m part of the Chiefs Ambassadors, a group of former Chiefs still in the Kansas City community and doing work. This is my fifth season there. I know many fans want to interact about that dynamic and partner with Mitch Holthus, who’s been here for 31 years as the voice of the Chiefs.

“I love that stuff. I feel like that’s what I signed up for as a player. You know what you’re doing, what you’re supposed to do, and what the fans love. They are so intricate in the success and existence of this NFL franchise that you can’t help but want to give back, mix and mingle whenever you can, and have some fun and laughs.”

Hughes looks forward to embracing the crowd visiting Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar ahead of Kansas City’s Week 8 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.

From 1993 to 1998, Hughes played for the Chiefs, teaming up with some of the greatest players in league history during the franchise’s resurgent period.

“It was a surreal experience coming from the University of Iowa and then just coming four and a half hours down south to Kansas City,” Hughes said. “I didn’t know what to expect, but as you mentioned, I walked into the locker room the same season we acquired Joe Montana and Marcus Allen, already having Derrick Thomas. A few years later, drafting Tony Gonzalez and playing with so many Hall of Famers.

“I was drafted with Will Shields, a Hall of Famer. So there’s so much history here that it’s been great to be a part of, and even though I can say I was part of the greatness in the heyday in the 90s, what they’ve done in recent years surpasses those times. But I’m proud of this organization and to be a part of it.”

Hughes continues his community efforts and life as a Chiefs analyst well after his playing career in Kansas City.

“I’ve made it my home; my wife and I are both from New Jersey and decided to stay in Kansas City. It tells you a lot about how we value this community and how it has embraced us,” said Hughes. “I don’t know if many other cities will be able to boast about embracing a guy who played 25 or 30 years ago, and yet, I can walk around town.

“People still love me because I wore that jersey and played for this great franchise. So, I don’t take any of it for granted. I know it’s a blessing and an honor, but it just tells you about the fans’ passion and willingness to embrace us as former players, even though I haven’t worn a jersey in 25-26 years.”

For more information on the Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate at Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, log on to flankerlv.com

Mark McMillian reflects on Chiefs tenure, transition to broadcasting career

Ed Easton Jr. spoke to retired defensive back Mark McMillian about his tenure with the #Chiefs and his post-football broadcasting career. | w/ @EdEastonJr

The many notable players who have worn the Kansas City Chiefs’ uniform in their careers all carry fond memories of their tenure with the team, regardless of whether it ended with a Super Bowl title.

This week, Ed Easton Jr. spoke to former Chiefs defensive back Mark McMillian about his upcoming appearance at the Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate at Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar on October 26 and 27 in Las Vegas, his tenure in Kansas City, and his eventual broadcasting career after retirement.

“It means the world as players, we don’t get a chance to interact with the fans or tailgate with the fans, so being able to be still appreciated for the work that you put in and be able to mingle with the fans that paid their hard-earned money to come out and watch us play and run around and do the good and the bad,” said McMillian. “Those fans were through tough times, weather, storms, snow. So it’s just… I’m just always appreciative, especially [for] people that follow my career.

“Knowing my status and my story of not even supposed to be in that position, and to be able to have a nice little eight-year career and finish it off—playing under Marty Schottenheimer and playing with Derrick Thomas. Those names stick out: Marcus Allen and Andre Rison. The list goes on with the guys that have the opportunity to play for and play with, and being able to come back to Vegas and Raider country and host the Kingdom Tailgate is pretty special.”

McMillian played two seasons in Kansas City. In 1997, he led the NFL in interception return yards and was tied for second place with eight interceptions. He continued to reflect on his time with the Chiefs.

“Running out of the tunnel, hearing the fans, seeing how passionate they are about their football playing with Rich Gannon, I was a kid that wasn’t even supposed to be in that position,” said McMillian. “Here I am, running out of the tunnel with the likes of Dale Carter and James Hasty, some really good names, and so many memories there.

“Breaking Emmett Thomas’s record for interception yardage was a little highlight, and it tied for the league and the NFL with interceptions, leading the league with touchdown returns. There are just so many great memories of playing in Kansas City. Man, I can’t mention just one.”

After eight seasons in the NFL, McMillian took his talents to the broadcasting world. He currently serves as a pregame host for CBS, covering the rival Las Vegas Raiders.

“I went to school for broadcasting, so that was my major,” McMillian explained. “So, many people are like, ‘Hey, how did you get into it? How are you so good?’ I’ve been broadcasting in Alabama since 1991-1992. In my rookie year in Philadelphia, we had a show called ‘The Little Big Man Show,’ for which I won an Emmy Award. So I’ve been, I’ve been doing TV for a while, but the transition is great, obviously, you know, here with CBS doing a Raiders Pregame Live show, it’s a little difficult.

“It’s not like being a radio or TV host in Kansas City, where you’re winning. It’s a little tougher, but I love it. I love to break down about the game. Give the fans an insight into what I see as to what they see on TV. And it justifies what I talked about because I played the game at a high level.”

https://www.instagram.com/mcmillian29/reel/DAoJZmXPWTE/?hl=en

For more information on the Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate at Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, log on to flankerlv.com

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. joins Alabama legend on sack list

Will Anderson posted three sacks in Sunday’s win over the New England Patriots and made Alabama football history in the process.

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was first a star at the University of Alabama before he ever arrived at NRG Stadium.

Now, he joins a fellow Saturday legend in the Sunday history books.

With his three-sack outing in Sunday’s win over the New England Patriots, Aderson joined Hall of Fame linebacker and former Crismon Tide standout Derrick Thomas as one of 16 Alabama alums to accomplish the feat.

Thomas, who played 10 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, leads all Alabama players in three-sack outings in 10. He also holds the NFL record for the most sacks in a game with seven.

Anderson has a ways to go before he enters the same conversation as Thomas, but he could have had the best game of his young career. On top of totaling three sacks, Anderson finished with eight tackles, four tackles for loss and a pass deflection against rookie quarterback Drake Maye that led to an interception by Eric Murray.

“Massive game for him,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “To be able to get after the quarterback the way he did with three sacks, also forced an interception by Murray.

“I felt his mindset in pregame warmups, so I knew it was going to be a really good day for him. Will, he’s getting better every week. This is his best game by far.”

Anderson is on the trajectory to earn Defensive Player of the Year recognition entering Week 7’s road trip against the Green Bay Packers. He leads the NFL in tackles for loss with nine and ranks fifth in sacks with 5.5.

Those in Tuscaloosa knew of Anderson’s potential. At Alabama, he was a two-time unanimous All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner as a linebacker.

After being drafted No. 3 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Houston moved him from a 3-4 outside linebacker to a 4-3 defensive. Nothing changed about his approach. The future Pro Bowl would tie J.J. Watt for the Texans’ rookie sack record with seven en route to winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Thomas, who passed away in 2000 at the age of 33, finished with 126.5 career sacks. Entering the halfway point of the new season, Anderson currently sits with 12.5.

Kickoff at Lambeau Field is scheduled for noon CT.

Chris Jones is approaching a Chiefs legend on the franchise’s most career sacks list

Chris Jones is approaching a Kansas City #Chiefs legend Justin Houston on the franchise’s most career sacks list | @EdEastonJr

The 2024 regular season is entering its third week, and multiple players are already approaching milestones for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones spoke to the media on Thursday about moving up the franchise’s most career sacks list.

“Listen, those are the guys that came in here and laid the foundation for me to look forward to and try to one day even get close to their names and stuff,” said Jones. “When you go from players like (Chiefs 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee) Tamba Hali, (Former NFL player) Justin Houston, and most importantly (PFHOF) Derrick Thomas, who is the all-time (sack) leader, I think, at 126.5 (sacks) – but who’s counting?

Jones is trailing four Chiefs legends on the all-time sacks leaders list, with Justin Houston being the closest to overtake this season. Houston stands at 78.5 sacks, with Jones currently only two behind after having last week’s half a sack rescinded by the NFL.

“You look up to those types of guys because they set the foundation of what greatness should look like and what to be superior looks like,” said Jones. “When my name is even mentioned at the bottom of that category, it’s an honor, but there’s still a lot of more work to do.”

Jones was unhappy about his half-sack being taken away but is poised to continue to add to his career resume.

Former Chiefs LB Donnie Edwards reflects on beloved friend, teammate Derrick Thomas 

Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Donnie Edwards about his beloved friend and teammate, Kansas City #Chiefs legend Derrick Thomas. | @EdEastonJr

The legacy of Kansas City Chiefs defensive star Derrick Thomas is among the most legendary in NFL history. The effect that Thomas made on the game with his leadership is equally as impressive as the athletic ability that made him one of the league’s most dominant pass rushers of all time.

Former Chiefs linebacker Donnie Edwards built strong bonds with his teammates throughout his thirteen seasons in the NFL, especially during two stints in Kansas City. Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Edwards about his friendship with Thomas and their relationship in the 1990s.

“He was special. He called me ‘surfer boy’. They call me surfer boy, everybody knows Derrick (Thomas) always had a nickname,” Edwards explained. “If you were friends with Derrick, he had a nickname for you, I’m telling you. He took me under his wing when I was a rookie. You know, California, call me California boy; it’s because I’m from California, UCLA, born and raised on the beach, and just different. Still, he and I connected for the years that we were together.

“The way that he was able to perform, and to see how he would switch his mentality on game day, like, go from a happy-go-lucky guy to a serious professional, like, it’s on now. I just like, wow, this is cool. So, from a young player, you’re watching all this, you’re watching Dan Saleaumua, you’re watching Neil Smith, you’re watching James Hasty, Like, I was watching all of these guys and learning from them, just [to] see how they operate, see what they do. It was really helpful, seeing how serious Derrick was about games and how he just turned it on.”

Thomas’ influence on a young Edwards didn’t end with their work on the field for the Chiefs. In the late 1990s, the linebackers built a friendship as teammates.

“The way that he worked and, we were friends off the field as well. He’d always come out to California. He always called me at the last minute, like, ‘Surfer boy, I’m coming to you right now, I’m at the airport’. I’m like, ‘It’s nine o’clock in the morning, I’m picking you up. Let’s go.’ So I [have got to] get dressed, and off we go. I miss him, and I miss his laugh. I miss his spunk and everything. He’s truly missed.”

To learn more about Donnie Edwards’ work with military veterans, visit the Best Defense Foundation’s website.

Derrick Thomas’ family to receive ‘Ring of Excellence’ before Chiefs’ matchup vs. Broncos

Derrick Thomas’ family will receive a ‘Ring of Excellence’ before the #Chiefs’ Week 5 matchup against the #Broncos.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will honor the family of late Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas with a “Ring of Excellence” ahead of the team’s matchup against the Denver Broncos on Thursday.

News of the forthcoming gesture broke on Twitter last night when the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced that Kay Jewelers would sponsor the pregame ceremony.

 

Thomas is one of the NFL’s all-time best pass rushers and was a key member of Kansas City’s elite defenses in a decade-long stretch from 1989 until 1999. He accumulated more than 126 sacks over the course of his storied career before his untimely death in 2000.

No single player has had more of an impact on the Chiefs franchise, and his legacy lives on in the memories of fans who witnessed his exceptional rise to stardom. Expect Kansas City’s defense to play with an extra edge against Denver as they look to honor Thomas with an exceptional performance.

Chargers’ Khalil Mack delivers career performance vs. Raiders: ‘He is still that guy’

Khalil Mack put together a rare performance against his former team.

Joey Bosa and Tuli Tuipulotu had been getting all the praise in weeks prior, as they had three and two sacks, respectively. All the while, Khalil Mack, who hadn’t recorded a sack entering Sunday, was gearing up for a monstrous performance of his own.

Mack posted six sacks in the Chargers’ 24-17 victory over the Raiders, two of which resulted in fumbles. His six sacks are a career-high for a single game and a franchise record. It’s also tied for the second-most sacks in a single game in NFL history.

Mack was one sack shy of tying the single-game sack record, which is held by Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas, dating back to 1990.

Last season, Mack had a three-sack performance the first time the Bolts played the Raiders, the team that drafted him back in 2014 and where he spent the first four seasons of his professional career.

“You can say it’s something extra, but it is what it is,” Mack said about delivering big performances against his former team, per the team’s official website.

“I mean obviously you want to play good against your old team,” Mack later added. “But just knowing where you come from and knowing that organization and what it meant to me to get drafted to that organization. It’s a lot of respect, but it’s a lot of wanting to get back too… At the end of the day, it’s just another game.”

The offensive line was a strength of the Raiders coming into the game, as they allowed just four sacks through the first three games. But this was with Jimmy Garoppolo under center. Instead, rookie Aidan O’Connell started in place of the inactive Garoppolo.

With that came growing pains for O’Connell, who frequently held onto the ball for too long, resulting in an easier path for Mack to get to him. Plus, Mack wasn’t double teamed as much as other opposing teams would. He was double teamed on just two pass rushes.

Despite being 32, Mack showed on the field that he can still play at a high level.

“He had been [pass] rushing at a high level for three games,” Brandon Staley said postgame. “We do this thing — he taught me back in Chicago, — close, he had been close the whole year, to having three monster games. He was close.

“Today, he put it all together,” Staley added. “This guy is one of the best edge players of a generation and he is still that guy, he is still that guy — he just showed everybody, ‘I’m still that guy.’ He’s one of our leaders.”

Mack will look to keep the pressure on two Sundays from now when the Chargers take on the Cowboys in Week 6.

Throwback Thursday: Chiefs select Alabama EDGE Derrick Thomas in 1989 NFL draft

#TBT to when the #Chiefs selected Alabama EDGE Derrick Thomas with pick No. 4 in the 1989 NFL draft.

On April 23rd, 1989, Carl Peterson would make his first draft pick as general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs.

It just so happens that the player Peterson selected would go on to be a Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the all-time greats in franchise history. The Chiefs selected Alabama edge rusher Derrick Thomas with the No. 4 pick in the 1989 NFL draft. It was the second year in a row that the Chiefs had found themselves picking in the top 10, and this time they grabbed a big-time difference maker.

Check out this click from the 1989 NFL draft on Thomas:

Thomas would go on to set the Chiefs’ rookie record for sacks with 10 in 1989, paving the way for his selection as the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. He also earned an invitation to the Pro Bowl, which would spark a Pro Bowl run that lasted for nine consecutive seasons. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 1990 and 1991.

Thomas led the entire league in sacks in 1990 with 20 sacks on the year, fueled by a game during which he set the NFL’s single-game record for sacks. To this day, Thomas remains Kansas City’s franchise leader in sacks with 126.5 career sacks. He also produced a whopping 41 forced fumbles and three safeties during his career.

A car crash in 2000 would ultimately leave Thomas paralyzed from the neck down. Not a month after his accident, Thomas died due to a pulmonary embolism. He’d be posthumously inducted into both the Chiefs Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

As a way to recognize his achievements both on and off the football field, the Chiefs would go on to retire Thomas’ No. 58 jersey and would name the annual team MVP award after him.

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LOOK: Von Miller honoring legendary Chiefs LB Derrick Thomas

#Bills LB Von Miller is honoring #Chiefs HOF LB Derrick Thomas by wearing a T-Shirt featuring his likeness in pregame warmups.

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Bills LB Von Miller has been wearing unique shirts each week during pregame warmups this season, most featuring prominent figures and moments in Buffalo franchise history. This time, Miller is doing something different. He is using his T-Shirt to honor his favorite player of all-time — Kansas City Chiefs LB Derrick Thomas.

Miller spoke a bit this week ahead of the matchup about why he loves traveling to play at Arrowhead Stadium and how he pays his respects to Thomas every time he’s on that field.

“I’m looking forward to going back to Arrowhead Stadium,” Miller said. “Derrick Thomas is my favorite player to ever play the game. I molded my game after him. He was the reason why I wore No. 58 in Denver. Every time I am on the field, I look for that 58 that’s on the Ring of Honor and just give him a moment and give him a moment of silence and my energy because I want to continue to try and play the game the way he played it. Arrowhead Stadium has always been a special place for me.”

Thomas is the Chiefs’ franchise sack leader, with 126.5 career sacks before his sudden death back in 2000. Miller has been studying Thomas’ game since he was playing college football back at Texas A&M and that’s only increased over the years in the NFL. He’s a student of the game, who continues to model his game after an all-timer like Thomas. It’s cool to see that even in his 12th NFL season, Miller is paying respect to one of the players he’ll join in the hallowed halls of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

All of that said, let’s hope Miller looks nothing like Thomas on Sunday afternoon when the game between Buffalo and Kansas City kicks off.

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