Chiefs legend Derrick Johnson delivers message to rookies during Day 4 of training camp practice

The Kansas City Chiefs had a special guest in attendance on Day 4 of training camp practices .

Former Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson was spotted as things got underway in St. Joseph, Missouri on Wednesday. The former No. 15 overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft out of the University of Texas, Johnson spent 13 seasons and practically his entire NFL career in Kansas City. He remains the Chiefs’ all-time tackle leader with 1,154 total tackles . He was twice named to the NFL’s All-Pro teams and selected to four Pro Bowls throughout his career.

Johnson signed a one-day contract to retire with the Chiefs back in May of 2019.

As practice got underway, Johnson spent the earliest portions speaking with the team's linebackers as they went through position drills. He was also seen chopping it up with Chiefs LB coach Brendan Daly. Rookie LBs Curtis Jacobs and Luquay Washington Jr. were on his hip the whole time.

Johnson spent most of practice mingling on the sidelines, talking to various players and members of the coaching staff. He got some time with HC Andy Reid, DC Steve Spagnuolo, and DT Chris Jones as well.

Johnson was a member of the team back in 2010, the first year that the team traveled to Missouri Western State University for training camp practices. He was also a member of the team when Reid first arrived as the head coach back in 2013, so he knows a thing or two about how these particular training camp practices go. He also knows how to get the absolute most out of them.

That's why it made perfect sense for Johnson to take some time to address the rookies at practice. He was the model player for the franchise during his time with the team and has 13 years of wisdom to impart to the next generation of talent gracing the gridiron at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this year.

Johnson addressed the rookies, giving a bit of an inspirational speech and some encouragement as they get through their first NFL training camp and ahead of their first padded practice. One rookie told me that Johnson's message was about, "making the most of every single day and relishing the special opportunity" to be a member of this organization. Not everyone gets to experience what the Chiefs have to offer and the franchise's rich history is not something to be taken lightly.

This visit also wasn't simply about giving the rookies something special during training camp. In part, it was about allowing an all-time great player to still feel connected to the franchise and the success they're building year after year.

"Being a Chief will never get old," Johnson wrote on Instagram.

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