The players with Alabama football roots who have been first-team All-Pros (NFL or AFL) at least three times in their careers ...

And without hesitation, I did it. Derrick was my guy.” From that moment forward, Smith and Thomas formed one of the most feared pass-rushing tandems in NFL history.

The first among them on ESPN's list (No. 6 overall) is Derrick Thomas' incredible 1988 season, which included such eye-popping numbers as 28 sacks, 88 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 44 quarterback ...

The first among them on ESPN's list (No. 6 overall) is Derrick Thomas' incredible 1988 season, which included such eye-popping numbers as 28 sacks, 88 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 44 quarterback ...

The first among them on ESPN's list (No. 6 overall) is Derrick Thomas' incredible 1988 season, which included such eye-popping numbers as 28 sacks, 88 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 44 quarterback ...

The first among them on ESPN's list (No. 6 overall) is Derrick Thomas' incredible 1988 season, which included such eye-popping numbers as 28 sacks, 88 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 44 quarterback ...

The first among them on ESPN's list (No. 6 overall) is Derrick Thomas' incredible 1988 season, which included such eye-popping numbers as 28 sacks, 88 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 44 quarterback ...

And Derrick… he made me love it more.” This article was originally published on arrowheadaddict.com as Derrick Thomas never stopped challenging Neil Smith (and it made them historic).