Undrafted in 1981 out of Rutgers—where he starred as a safety and team MVP punter—Deron Cherry initially signed with Kansas City hoping to win the team’s punting job. When that plan fell through, he convinced management to let him audition at defensive back instead. That second chance launched an extraordinary 11-year run as the patrolling center fielder for the Chiefs' defense.

Taking over the starting free safety job in 1983, Cherry immediately transformed into an elite ballhawk. That breakout campaign kicked off a dominant stretch where he earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1983 through 1988. Over those six years, Cherry earned five AP All-Pro selections (First-Team in 1984, 1986, and 1988; Second-Team in 1983 and 1985). In a legendary 1985 performance against the Seattle Seahawks, he tied an NFL single-game record by picking off four passes in a single afternoon.

Cherry’s instincts and diagnostic skills made him the centerpiece of Kansas City’s secondary throughout the 1980s. In addition to snagging at least seven interceptions in four separate seasons, he proved to be a formidable last line of defense, tallying six 100-tackle seasons. His 50 career interceptions rank third in franchise history, while his 15 career fumble recoveries tie him for the top mark in Chiefs franchise history.

Off the field, Cherry was equally impactful through his extensive philanthropy and community work in the Kansas City region. His selfless leadership earned him the prestigious Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award in 1988. His place in NFL history was further cemented when he was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.

After retiring in 1991, Cherry was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1996.  Cherry had an incredible run, going from undrafted to minority owner of an NFL franchise (Jacksonville).