ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson still believes his best days are ahead. The 31-year-old veteran is beginning his 10th season, coming off his third Pro Bowl and closing in on the franchise record for tackles. He needs just 19 to reach 1,000 for his career, which would be one more than Gary Spani recorded from 1978-86. Johnson said this week that he hasn’t thought about hanging up his cleats, even though he’ll turn 32 in November.

Johnson said he’s still working out in the offseason with Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles, and as long as he can keep up with him, he’s going to keep going. Besides, there may be no more valuable player on the Chiefs defense than No. 56.