The Hall of Fame quarterback and NFL star Peyton Manning, and the whole NFL community, were deeply shocked after learning about the passing of Demaryius Thomas, former Denver Broncos wide receiver. Although Peyton was heartbroken after he came to know about the sorrowful news, Demaryius was Peyton’s key target during his days in the Broncos.
The NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Demaryius Thomas and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/rAXYguAUy1
— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2021
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They even won the Super Bowl 50 together in 2015 after defeating the Carolina Panthers. The duo shared a special relationship on and off the field. Peyton earlier this year also shared a heartfelt video message congratulating his friend on his retirement from professional football.
Read more: When Peyton Manning Surprised Recently Deceased Teammate Demaryius Thomas With a Beloved Message
Manning teamed up with Demaryius Thomas for a Super Bowl
Demaryius Thomas gave brief stints with the Houston Texans, New England Patriots, and the New York Jets after he left the Broncos in 2018. He finished his career with 724 receptions for 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns. Although the most fruitful years of his career were with Peyton (2012-2015).
“I’ll miss Demaryius Thomas telling me that he loved me and thanking me for coming to Denver after every touchdown I threw to him”
— Peyton Manning during his retirement speech. pic.twitter.com/xHrGVumo9r
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) December 10, 2021
He had two seasons of 100 or more catches, three seasons of 1,400 or more receiving yards, and three seasons of double-digit touchdowns during that span. When he was teamed with Manning, he never had fewer than 90 catches or 1,300 receiving yards. Including a Super Bowl-winning season in 2015.
Peyton Manning pays tribute to his deceased friend
As the news broke out that Demaryius had passed away, Peyton was completely shattered. According to the Denver Broncos communications officer Patrick Smyth, Peyton on the death of his friend said:
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“D.T. was a better person than he was a player, and he was a Hall of Fame player. That tells you how good of a person he was. He treated my kids like they were his own. He was there for every teammate’s charity event… I texted with D.T. on Tuesday. He was talking about a TD audible we called vs. Arizona in 2014. Absolutely devasted.”
Peyton Manning (2-of-2): “I texted with D.T. on Tuesday. He was talking about a TD audible we called vs. Arizona in 2014. Absolutely devasted.”
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) December 10, 2021
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It was a nightmare for the former NFL star to learn about the loss of his four-time pro bowl receiver friend. Peyton might not see his friend again, but the cheerful cries of their Super Bowl-winning game still echo in Levi’s Stadium, and their moments together will remain immortal.
