Former Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas belongs in the Hall of Fame.  Sure, he’ll get there eventually.  But he should be there already.

No linebacker had a greater impact during the decade that Thomas spent harassing quarterbacks.  His exploits included an uncanny seven sacks in one game.

After 11 NFL seasons, Thomas suffered serious injuries in a January 23, 2000 automobile accident.  Paralyzed from the waist down, a blood clot ended his life eight years ago today.

He helped the Chiefs get to the playoffs ten times, and he was named the league’s Man of the Year in 1993.  In eight straight seasons he participated in the Pro Bowl.

It’s the kind of career, and life, that caused us to conclude that our annual award to the player we deem to be the top linebacker in the league shall be named afer Derrick Thomas.

The first recipient is Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel.

Vrabel, a Pro Bowl starter for the first time in his own 11-year career, has gradually improved throughout stints with the Steelers and the Pats.  He has been a consistent contributor from time to time on offense, having a nose for catching touchdown passes from the tight end position.

His best game of the season came against the Redskins, during which Vrabel notched 15 tackles (11 solo), three sacks, and three forced fumbles.  He finished the season with 12.5 sacks.