Derrick Thomas Signed Chiefs Full-Size Authentic On-Field Helmet (JSA)

Riddell Kansas City Chiefs full-size authentic on-field helmet. Hand-signed by Derrick Thomas (D. 2000, Kansas City Chiefs, HOF).

Derrick Thomas was a highly talented and accomplished American football player, primarily known for his exceptional skills as a linebacker. He was born on January 1, 1967, in Miami, Florida, and he tragically passed away on February 8, 2000, at the age of 33, due to complications from a car accident that left him paralyzed.

Derrick Thomas played college football for the University of Alabama, where he established himself as a dominant force on the field. His outstanding performance earned him numerous accolades, including the Butkus Award, which is given to the best linebacker in college football. In 1989, he was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs as the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Throughout his NFL career, which spanned from 1989 to 1999, Thomas became one of the most feared and respected linebackers in the league. He was known for his incredible speed, agility, and relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks. Thomas had a remarkable ability to sack the quarterback, earning him the nickname "D.T.," short for "Derrick Thomas" and "Destruction Time."

During his time with the Chiefs, Derrick Thomas set numerous records, including the NFL record for most sacks in a single game, with an astounding seven sacks in one matchup against the Seattle Seahawks in 1990. He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time First-Team All-Pro.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Thomas was also admired for his charitable work and community involvement. He was dedicated to helping children and had established the Derrick Thomas Third and Long Foundation to support various causes, such as providing scholarships and assisting disadvantaged youth.

Tragically, on January 23, 2000, Derrick Thomas was involved in a car accident while driving during icy conditions. The accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. Despite his condition, he fought to recover but ultimately succumbed to a pulmonary embolism on February 8, 2000.

Derrick Thomas' legacy lives on in the hearts of football fans, his charitable contributions, and his impact on the game. In 2009, he was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a testament to his remarkable talent and lasting influence on the sport.

The autograph(s) includes an official James Spence Authentication (JSA) hologram and matching LOA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: JSA LOA

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.