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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 29: Derrick Johnson #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after a tackle at Arrowhead Stadium during the third quarter of the game against the Buffalo Bills on November 29, 2015 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)

The Kansas City Chiefs are waiting patiently to hit the clock for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Until then, they made a huge announcement regarding one of their best and most popular players in franchise history.

Kansas City Chiefs Announce LB Derrick Johnson as Team’s 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee

On Thursday the Chiefs took to social media to reveal that Johnson is this year’s selection to be inducted into their Hall of Fame.

Johnson is the Chiefs’ all-time leading tackler, recording 1,154 during his 13-year tenure in Kansas City. He was selected in the first round (15th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Chiefs after a dominant collegiate career at Texas. Johnson was a three-time All-Big 12 selection, and a two-time unanimous first-team All-American during his time with the Longhorns.

Johnson was a starter for the Chiefs from Day 1, and had a solid first four seasons as a pro. In 2009 when Todd Haley took over as head coach and the defense switched to a 3-4 scheme, Johnson was shockingly demoted to a backup role because of his inexperience in that system. He found his way back as a starter by the end of the season.

Johnson’s game went to the next level after that. He recorded over 100 tackles for the first time in his career in 2010, and would do so in four of the next five seasons. In the one season he didn’t, it was due to a torn Achilles that he sustained in Week 1 of 2014, costing him the rest of the season. He bounced back strong in 2015, starting every game and posting 116 tackles.

Unfortunately, Johnson tore his other Achilles late in the 2016 season. He returned the next season and played in nearly every game, but he was noticeably a step slower. After the 2017 campaign, the Chiefs voided the last year remaining on Johnson’s contract, making him a free agent.

He signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, but would appear in just six games with them before being released at his request. Johnson officially retired after signing a one-day ceremonial contract with the Chiefs in 2019. During his 14-year career, Johnson recorded 1,171 tackles, 27.5 sacks, 77 passes defensed, 14 interceptions (four returned for touchdowns) , and 23 forced fumbles.

Derrick Johnson Had Many Teammates Also Deserving to Be in Chiefs Hall of Fame

Although he never won a championship, Johnson played on several good Chiefs teams, particularly in the latter stage of his career. His long time defensive counterpart defensive end Tamba Hali was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2024.

Another one of Johnson’s running mates on defense that is deserving is safety Eric Berry, who played in Kansas City from 2010-2018. Berry recorded 445 tackles and 14 interceptions during his career.

On the offensive side, running back Jamaal Charles is the most obvious. Charles is the Chiefs’ all-time leading rusher with 7,260 yards. He finished his career with 10,156 total yards from scrimmage and 64 touchdowns.

Another likely to get in soon is quarterback Alex Smith. Throughout his five-year tenure in Kansas City, Smith posted a 50-26 record, throwing for 17,608 yards and 102 touchdowns. He also recorded 1,672 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.