Dee Ford will wear No. 55 for the Kansas City Chiefs in honor of the late Derrick Thomas.

Ford wore No. 30 at Auburn, which wasn't an option due to NFL jersey rules.

"The opportunity presented itself," Ford said. "I'd play at any number, but of course 55 came available. This is Derrick Thomas' college number. It's all good. I'm not trying to be Derrick Thomas, but he's a guy that definitely inspired me."

The rookie chose Thomas' No. 55 that he wore at Alabama (1985-88) before Ford was even born (1992) and then wore No. 58 with the Chiefs.