Derrick
&
Neil
Derrick Thomas / Neil Smith
201 East Armour Blvd * Suite 333 * Kansas City, Missouri * 64111 * 816-931-5855 * fax 816-931-7758
A tax-exempt 501(c) 3 organization
Third and Long Foundation, Inc.
Derrick's devotion to theThird and Long Foundation came from a personal story of overcoming a challenging real life situation.
After a childhood arrest in a crime-ridden neighborhood in Miami, he was sent to Dade Marine Institute – a state-run program for troubled youth. Through a tough regimen of studying and hard work, Derrick overcame his obstacles to become one of the best linebackers in the NFL.
For his work with the with Foundation, Derrick was named the 1993 Edge NFL Man of the Year, an award recognizing the player who best combines on-field achievement with civic commitment. He was the youngest NFL player to receive this award. Derrick was also named President Bush’s 832nd Point of Light, the only NFL athlete to receive this honor at the time.
Derrick passed away February 8, 2000, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Neil’s devotion to The Third and Long Foundation came from a personal story of overcoming dyslexia, a condition that hampers reading and learning skills, along with the desire to carry on a friend's dream to sack illiteracy.
Neil learned to read a new way with his dyslexia, went to college and realized his dream to play in the NFL when he was drafted by the KC Chiefs in 1988.
Neil, an All-American at Nebraska, quickly became a pro bowl defensive end in the NFL and a two-time Super Bowl champion. Off the field, Neil has received various allocades for Neil's Deal, a community service project with Ozanam Home for Boys and for the YES I CAN Foundation, a program for those with dyslexia.
Currently, Neil lives in KC. His business ventures include Copeland's restaurant and the Kansas City Brigade of the Arena Football League.
