Derrick Johnson is one of the most revered players in franchise history, both for what he's done on the field and how he's impacted the community away from it.

His name has become synonymous with tackles throughout his 11-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs, not only because he has more than any other player in franchise history, but also because he's been a rock in the heart of the defense through the ups and downs of a franchise that's now on the uptick.

He wanted to be a part of this resurgence for another few years.

"The chemistry we have, that's very important," he said. "You don't want to break that up."

This offseason was the first time in Johnson's career that he had the opportunity to test the waters and decide to wear a different jersey if he saw fit—his first crack at free agency.

But wearing anything but the red and gold wasn't going to happen.

"There wasn't a doubt," he said.

He's a Chief, through and through.

Not long after signing a new three-year contract with the Chiefs, Johnson sat down for an exclusive interview with Chiefs.com to talk about keeping the nucleus of the defense together, his legacy and how close this group is to the Super Bowl.