In 2000, Thomas' was speeding in snowy conditions when he lost control of his car. He was paralyzed from the chest down. Weeks later, while in the hospital,Thomas went into cardio-respiratory arrest and died as a result of a pulmonary embolism. He was 33.

Nine years later, the Chiefs linebacker was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, a momentous occasion but a bit bittersweet considering how much more Thomas could have brought to the game and the world had he lived for longer.

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