The shy cornerback from east Texas wasn’t shy about asking how to get better.

Emmitt Thomas started his career as a talented but quiet cornerback and emerged as one of the Chiefs’ all-time best players. He will be enshrined next month in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Chiefs announced Monday that Thomas’ No. 18 will be retired before a game Oct. 19.

Thomas will be the ninth Chiefs player to have his number retired.