The 10 most underrated players in Kansas City Chiefs history
By Matt Conner
Most underrated players in Kansas City Chiefs history
9. Deron Cherry, defensive back
The exclusion of Deron Cherry from serious inclusion in the Hall of Fame to this point is a total head-scratcher. As a player, Cherry did absolutely everything he could to prove his value on and off the field. From community impact to locker room leadership to sustained production, Cherry was an exemplary talent.
The downside for Cherry is the one thing he can’t control: the team’s performance.
There’s only so much a safety can do for a team, and there’s no denying the Chiefs were a miserable franchise in the ’80s, where Cherry made the bulk of playing career. The Chiefs only made three playoff appearances in Cherry’s 11 years in Kansas City. For the majority of his prime, the Chiefs were relegated to mediocrity—hardly the sort of primetime performers that fans are used to watching today.
For the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the ’80s, as voted by Hall of Fame voters, only two safeties garnered more votes than Cherry: Ronnie Lott and Kenny Easley. Both are in the Hall. Cherry had 50 interceptions in 11 years in K.C., a run that included 6 Pro Bowl nods and 5 All-Pro honors as well. Given his production and longevity, Cherry deserves a much stronger look from the Hall as a senior candidate since he’s been overlooked by every other route.