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Alabama Football Legend Derrick Thomas Died 17 Years Ago Today

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:23 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Bobby Wesson/FanSided via Bama Hammer

Bama Hammer pays tribute to Alabama Football legend and NFL sack machine Derrick Thomas who died 17 years ago today.

It seems like Alabama Football has heavy hitters on defense every year now but before there was Reuben, Rolando or Dont’a – there was Derrick Thomas.

Derrick Thomas still holds every Alabama Football sack record with 52 during his time wearing crimson and white from 85-88, 27 in his last season with the Tide and 5 in a single game against Texas A & M. 

“Bandwagon fans are wondering why Nick Saban isn’t in this video right now.”

Thomas was the 4th overall pick in the 1989 NFL draft  and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame 20 years later in 1999. He spent his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs and set an NFL record with 7 sacks in a single game against the Seahawks in 1990.

Derrick Thomas ended his 11 year NFL career with 126.5 total sacks and almost as many awards including:

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Derrick Thomas was a once in a lifetime player in college and the NFL. The only thing not fast about him was his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. That honor came for Thomas in 2014 – 14 years after his death and 5 years after being inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

Derrick Thomas died 17 years ago today as the result of injuries suffered in a car accident while on his way to the airport with two friends. The one who was wearing a seat belt walked away from the accident. The other two, Derrick included, did not.

Wear your seatbelt Bama fans. We’ll always remember you 55. Roll Tide.

If you remember watching Derrick Thomas destroy quarterbacks let us know on Facebook or in the comments.

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