The Unforgettable Day Derrick Thomas Dominated the NFL

Derrick Thomas' Unbeaten Record

Thirty-five years ago, a football game changed the way people saw defensive play. Derrick Thomas, a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, did something incredible. He set a record that still stands today. He sacked the quarterback seven times in a single game. His teammate, Neil Smith, remembers that day well.

The Seahawks' Mistake

The Seattle Seahawks thought they had a plan. They focused on stopping Smith, leaving Thomas to face their players one-on-one. That was a big mistake. Thomas took advantage and dominated the game. By the end of the third quarter, Thomas had already forced a fumble that led to a touchdown for the Chiefs.

A Legendary Comeback

The Seahawks were leading for most of the game. But the Chiefs' defense, led by Thomas and Smith, kept coming back. In the fourth quarter, Thomas and Smith sacked the quarterback back-to-back, stopping Seattle's drive. Later, Thomas sacked the quarterback three more times in just five plays. He was so close to an eighth sack, but the quarterback escaped and threw a game-winning touchdown pass as time ran out.

A Powerful Duo

Thomas and Smith were a powerful duo. They were drafted by the Chiefs just a year apart and played together for many years. Smith later won two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos, while Thomas spent his entire career with the Chiefs. Sadly, Thomas' life was cut short in a car accident in 2000. He was only 33 years old.

Off the Field Legacy

Off the field, Thomas was just as impressive. He started a foundation to help kids and was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 1993. After his passing, Smith stepped in to help keep the foundation running. The Third and Long Foundation still helps families in need around Thanksgiving.

An Unbeaten Record

Thomas' record of seven sacks in a single game is still unbeaten. Smith thinks it might be tied or broken one day, especially with how often teams pass the ball now. But for now, Thomas' record stands. He ended the 1990 season with 20 sacks, and he and Smith combined for almost 30 sacks that year. Their partnership was legendary.

Hall of Fame Honors

Thomas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. Smith has been nominated multiple times but is still waiting for his call. Despite this, Smith's impact on the game is undeniable. His numbers speak for themselves.