Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas died Tuesday morning at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. He was recovering from a Jan. 23 car crash that had left him paralyzed from the chest down.

Over 2,500 ESPN.com users wrote in to share their favorite memories of the former All-Pro. Here are selections of the comments:

	Derrick Thomas' exuberance was constantly on display -- especially to opposing quarterbacks.

This is a sad, sad day in Kansas City and in the sports world in general.

No player encompassed the Kansas City Chiefs spirit more than Derrick Thomas.... a great football player and humanitarian. No single player brought more joy to Chiefs fans than Derrick....from his on the field accomplishments, to his "Third and Long Foundation", an organization dedicated to eliminating illiteracy.

When Derrick was named the NFL's "Man of the Year" in 1993, Kansas City stood proud at the recognition of one of it's favorite sons, today we stand together in mourning his untimely passing. If one thing stands to be learned from this tragic event, let it be this -- Please, always wear your seat belt. Number 58, thank you for the memories, you will be deeply missed.

Kimberly Highfill
Kansas City, Mo.

The thing about him I really admired the most was his love for his father and the pride he took in what his Dad did as a military pilot. A great player and a Hall of Famer for sure. This is a hard day for football fans who truly knew Thomas' greatness.

Bill Cranston
Fremont, Ohio

Working in promotions as an intern with the Chiefs in 1995, I had an opportunity to interact with Derrick on a somewhat regular basis. Whether it was to gain an autograph for a corporate sponsor or to help coordinate a special event, Derrick was always willing to fulfill the request.

At a time when I was filled with anxiety and intimidation (because of my first "break" into the world of professional sports), Derrick made me feel at ease and, unbeknownst to him, made my transition into the real world much easier. I will always remember him for his contributions to the community and to the Chiefs organization both on and off the field.

Today, the world not only lost an incredible football player, but also an equally incredible person. Derrick, we miss you already...and we know you're smiling on us down here.

Kurt M. Varricchio
San Diego Padres
San Diego, Calif.

Even though I routinely cheered against DT as he played on a rival AFC west team, I can't describe the empty and hollowness that I feel today. Great player and great person. The NFL could use more players like Derrick Thomas.

J. McCombs
Dallas, Texas

Before a national audience against the Minnesota Vikings this past season Derrick Thomas reminded everyone that he was still a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. He took over the game by dominating Pro Bowl tackle Todd Steussie causing a pair of sacks and a key fumble that was returned for a touchdown, stopping a Minnesota game winning drive. Unfortunately, this game will be a lasting reminder that Derrick would be leaving us at the top of his game as a legendary defensive force.

Bruce Vandal
St. Paul, Minn.

This is another very sad day in sports. I hope that people will remember Derrick Thomas not only as a great football player, but a role model off the field as well. Regardless, if you are a Chiefs fan or not, the NFL has lost one of the good guys today. Derrick, may you rest in peace, and thank you for all of the memories. You will be sadly missed by many.

Brad Spaulding
Belleville, Ill.

I have to admit I can't think of one single memory of Derrick Thomas. All I know is that anytime the Chiefs games were televised, I always made it a point to watch because Derrick was such an awesome football player.

Judy E. Gonzalez
Palm Springs, Fla.

I remember Derrick Thomas for what he did for his community and how his dedication and leadership on and off the field influenced his teammates to perform above and beyond expectations. The Kansas City community and the National Football League lost an all-star and more importantly a friend.

Neil Liskey
Willimantic, Conn.

I am a huge Denver Broncos fan and there was no other player on an opposing team I feared more than Thomas. I cannot count the many times I remember seeing him chase down John Elway from behind for a big sack. K.C. is one team I can't stand, but he was probably my all-time favorite linebacker in the NFL. I have so much respect for his heart and desire to succeed. He will surely be missed by myself and many countless others.

Kevin Westbrook
Mesa, Ariz.

I was 12 when Derrick Thomas recorded seven sacks against the Seahawks. I had a pee-wee football game the next weekend, so I thought I would try to accomplish the feat too since I was a linebacker. I ended up with four sacks and I was very disappointed. Derrick Thomas was the best LB in the NFL after Lawrence Taylor left. He will always be the best to me.

Cody Hollingsworth
Ennis, Texas

I had the chance to caddie for Derrick Thomas, two years ago at a celebrity golf tournament on the Cape. He was great to me and everyone else at the tournament, signing autographs, talking to fans, and being very gracious to everyone at the event. He had a very positive influence on my life, and a person that I always looked up to, a great role model for kids to have. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, we will all miss him.

Brett Gilmore
Centerville, Mass.

I remember going to my first football game when I was six, Alabama played NE. Louisiana at Legion Field in Birmingham. Even as a kid all I wanted to do was catch a glimpse of Thomas, he was such a remarkable player and person.

Jonathan Farr
Lineville, Ala.

In this day and age it is very unusual to see a person of Derrick Thomas's caliber especially an athlete. He epitomized everything good about football. To me that means he left it all on the field and kept his private life private. I'll not painting the man out to be a saint because none of us are. What's important here is that he was a man. He did his job, he was a father to his kids and a husband to his wife. He owed us nothing and he gave us a great example of what we should be, decent.

Orlando Featherstone
Ann Arbor, Mich.

We are formally from K.C. and just let me say that Derrick Thomas was a very well known player on the field and off! He did so much for the K.C. area and for the kids, he lost his dad when he was very young so that has been very important to him in what he does for other kids. I want his family to know that they are many prayers being said for them. Derrick will be greatly missed in KC as well as to the many fans that he has all over the USA.

Karin Lidberg
Glencoe, Okla.

During a game in the 1998 season, Kansas City was hit with a monsoon like rainstorm. There is a picture from this game of Derrick Thomas sitting on the ground, in full pads, with his helmet off, soaking wet, with nothing but water surrounding him. This picture gives me such a vivid memory of Derrick. No matter the weather, he fought to the end. No matter the opposing team, he represented Kansas City and Chiefs fans with all he had. And when the game was over, no matter the final score, he had given it his all. I have never met Derrick, but I know him and love him for what he gave to K.C., and Chiefs fans. You never doubted his desire. You believed that if he could, by sheer will, he would lead the Chiefs to victory. God bless you, Derrick.

Donna Waechter
Bedford, Texas

Derrick Thomas was a true hero and leader. He had heart, character, and spirit. Derrick and Neal Smith were the reasons that I was a Chiefs fan. It has been hard for me to be a fan since Neal left but this is so much harder. I cannot believe it, he will be truly missed. Please, I beg, people use your seatbelts.

Karlease Bradford
Atlanta, Ga.

Every game against my beloved Oakland Raiders. Thomas broke my heart a million times but none more so than today, in learning of his untimely death.

Allen Jefferson
Seattle, Wash.

As I sit here shaking and in shock that one of my favorite players is no longer with us. I will not be able to see him every Sunday. Sliding his way around the side to get to the quarterback and getting another sack. He is a hero in mine and my husbands eyes and he is a role model and a legend to my son.

My heart goes to the family and to his friend that has also lost his life in this tragedy. I will always remember the 58 number that now hangs in my closet and will never be worn again in memory of the DT .... We love you and you are the best!

Davina, Michael and Kasey Collins
Glencoe, Okla.

Living only 15 minutes from the Chief's Training Camp Facilities, I spent a lot of time in River Falls at practices. After practice, my friends and I would go back to the dorms and get autographs. I would have to say Derrick Thomas was one of the nicest and most considerate football players that I have ever been around. He always would talk to anyone that approached him.

You can't say that about many pro athletes. When Derrick died today, we lost one of the best linebackers in NFL history. But most of all, we lost a great person.

Tom Sauve
Spring Valley, Wis.