Linebacker Derrick Thomas of the Kansas City Chiefs loves to sack quarterbacks. During his seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL) he has developed into one of professional football's most feared defenders. In 1990 Thomas set an NFL record with seven sacks in one game, and his fellow players, coaches, and fans have voted him to the Pro Bowl all-star game for eight consecutive seasons. Besides being an all-star on the field, Thomas has earned many awards for his community service. He has achieved all this after overcoming the loss of his father and his own difficulty in learning to read.

Growing up

Loses dad

Derrick Vincent Thomas was born January 7, 1967, in Miami, Florida. His father, Robert James Thomas, an air force captain, died in Vietnam when the North Vietnamese shot down his B-52 bomber on December 17, 1972. The air force called his father's mission "Operation: Linebacker Two." Thomas...