The rookie minicamp in Kansas City featured an intriguing local product: The son of Chiefs Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas.
Running back Donnell Alexander participated in the team’s minicamp on a tryout basis. And he matched the arrowheads on his helmet with an arrowhead tattoo on his neck.
“I’ve had this for quite a while,” Alexander told reporters on Monday. “Like I said, I take pride in being from Kansas City. Being able to even put this uniform on, to me, is a surreal experience and I appreciate it.”
Coach Andy Reid was impressed with Alexander’s performance.
“I thought he did a nice job,” Reid told reporters. “I thought he did a real nice job. . . . How many guys have an arrowhead tattoo at all? He’s got that and I know he’s proud of his dad.”
Alexander ended his college career at Akron after transferring from Colorado State. He finished third on the team in rushing last season, with 499 yards and three touchdowns on 107 carries.
There’s no indication that the Chiefs will be signing Alexander to a contract.
Derrick Thomas died in February 2000 at the age of 33. He suffered a pulmonary embolism only weeks after becoming paralyzed in his lower extremities due to an automobile accident.
