Battle Red Blog, a Houston Texans community

"Derrick Thomas was a unique and gifted player, but he was also a unique and gifted human being," said Peterson. "Derrick this is your day, along with your classmates of 2009, you have earned this honor because of the way you played the game of football. All of us that knew you celebrate this day with you and your family.

"The light has gone back on and will now burn brightly not only in the community of Kansas City but here in this shrine to the game in Canton. We thank the Hall for recognizing Derrick Thomas as a worthy recipient of the status as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame."

In the world of big time sports, Thomas’ next step might have seemed natural: Call a press conference, hold a fund raiser, arrange a photo-op…

Instead, privately, Thomas and his friend and attorney, Kevin Regan, arranged to bring the entire Lone Wolf team to Kansas City. They played a game against professionals. They got new uniforms, shoes and sport bags. They met Barry Sanders and Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns. They lived like stars, for a few days.

Chiefs LB Derrick Thomas will be the fifth of the six inductees who will be presented. Despite the best efforts of everyone to keep the ceremonies moving, expect about 30 minutes per inductee. That would put the portion of the ceremony for Thomas right around 8 o’clock.

He will be presented by former Chiefs president-GM Carl Peterson and his son Derrion will accept the honor for the Thomas family.