The 2009 Hall of Fame class was introduced on Saturday and former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas will be enshrined.

Nicknamed D.T., Thomas played eleven seasons in the NFL before his life was tragically cut short as a result of an automobile accident following the 1999 season.

When the Chiefs picked Thomas fourth overall in the 1989 draft, they had high hopes for the linebacker out of the University of Alabama. But no one could have predicted the type of player he would become. In the '89 season, Thomas was awarded Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and never looked back.

The 6'3", 243-pounder showcased his talent in a big way during his second NFL season. He recorded a league-leading and team record 20 sacks that included an NFL record seven sacks in a game versus the Seattle Seahawks on November 11, 1990. He also recorded a team high six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 63 tackles, five pass deflections and 35 quarterback pressures. His season-long performance earned him All-Pro recognition for the first time.

When it was all said and done, Derrick Thomas was voted for nine Pro-Bowls. He totaled 126.5 sacks in his career and still holds the single game record of 7 quarterback sacks. He is one of only 22 NFL players to achieve 100 or more sacks.

During his career, he also recorded 1 interception and recovered 19 fumbles, returning them for 161 yards and 4 touchdowns. Thomas established Chiefs career records for sacks, safeties, fumble recoveries, and forced fumbles. His 45 forced fumbles are also an NFL career record.

Derrick Thomas was one the most dominating linebackers to ever play the position. Anyone that was fortunate enough to see him play will never forget number 58.