As the NFL tries to stretch every last bit of attention from its 2012 with the NFL Network's countdown of the Top 100 Players of 2012, the Kansas City Chiefs finally placed their first player on the board at No. 78 with linebacker Derrick Johnson. He's likely going to be one of two linebackers on the board as Tamba Hali can expect to find his name recognized as the countdown continues toward No. 1.
"It's been great," Johnson said of the recognition he's received since the conclusion of the 2011 season. "Being at the Chiefs for as long as I've been here, I've had some up and down seasons. But having Romeo Crennel come in here and turn this defense around - this 34 scheme - I'm loving it and having a lot of fun."
From the Chiefs release, "Besides leading the Chiefs with 179 tackles (coaches tally), Johnson added 11 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, a pair of interceptions, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His final statistics were impressive, but it was Johnson's on-field leadership that stood out to teammates and caught the attention of veterans around the league."