When you're trying to recall the signature plays from linebacker Derrick Johnson's 13-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs, not a lot of snaps immediately rush to mind. Johnson returned two interceptions for touchdowns during a 2009 win against the Broncos. His fourth-quarter strip sack of Philip Rivers in a 2007 game against the Chargers was returned by a teammate for a touchdown that allowed the Chiefs to pull away for a victory.
Listing the plays by Johnson that won't necessarily be a highlight on the stat sheet but that had the potential to be game-defining is a major project. For instance, on 14 third- or fourth-down plays when 2 yards or fewer were needed for a first down, Johnson made the tackle at or behind the line of scrimmage.
His every-down steadiness and ability to help against the run or the pass is what the Chiefs will miss with Johnson's departure. The team said last week it would not bring Johnson back for a 14th season.
The timing of the move with the 35-year-old Johnson seemed inevitable since Brett Veach took over as general manager last summer. Among his first moves were trades for Kevin Pierre-Louis and Reggie Ragland, players he hoped were capable of eventually replacing Johnson.
Sure enough, Johnson lost some of his playing time last season. Ragland played well enough to lead the Chiefs to believe he could be a more than adequate replacement.
Even Johnson, the day after the playoff loss to the Titans, seemed resigned that his Chiefs career was over.
"My heart is with the Chiefs," he said then. "This team, we have something. Too bad we didn't take advantage of it this year.
"I'm hoping there's more. This is a business. I would love to say I'll be back in the lineup with these young guys trying to win another Super Bowl. We'll see how the offseason goes."
Johnson's fate with the Chiefs was the same as other long-time stars such as tight end Tony Gonzalez, who was traded after 12 seasons in Kansas City, and running back Jamaal Charles, who was released after nine.
The Chiefs have replaced Gonzalez and Charles more than adequately. Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt are among the NFL's top players at their positions.
They'll replace Johnson with Ragland. While he's shown promise, the Chiefs, for now, can only hope Ragland will play as well and for as long as Johnson did.