Tuesday 13 February 2018 21:58, UK
The Kansas City Chiefs are bidding farewell to linebacker Derrick Johnson after 13 seasons with the franchise.
Johnson will become a free agent in March after the Chiefs opted not to offer the 35-year-old a new contract.
He was selected by Kansas City with the 15th pick in the 2005 NFL Draft and has since piled up a total of 1,262 tackles, 27.5 sacks and 14 interceptions, four of which he returned for touchdowns.
Johnson said: "I love Kansas City and this fan base, they've always had my back. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to spend 13 years in a place I love.
"I plan on playing for several more years because I love this game so much, but I look forward to retiring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs when my career is over.
"I'll miss my Chiefs team-mates - we made a lot of big plays together over the years - and I wish them the best in bringing a championship home to the best and loudest fans in the NFL."
Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt added: "Few players in recent history have meant more to the Chiefs franchise and the Kansas City community than Derrick Johnson.
"His tireless work ethic and passion for the game made him one of the most productive defensive players to ever wear a Chiefs uniform and one of the most respected players both in our locker room and around the league.
"Over the last 13 seasons, Derrick represented himself and the Chiefs organisation with integrity and class, and he will always be a part of our Chiefs family."
