Demaryius Thomas, a former wide receiver for the Denver Broncos and Super Bowl 50 Champion, died on Thursday at his home in Georgia. According to ESPN’s Jeff Legwold, preliminary information from Roswell, Georgia police suggested that the former receiver died of a medical condition.
However, later Thomas’ sister revealed to the Associated Press that the family believes that he had died of a seizure. Thomas was 33 years old at the time, and he would have celebrated his 34th birthday on Christmas Day.
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The Broncos drafted Thomas in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft after earning first-team All-ACC accolades at Georgia Tech in 2009. He went on to play in 125 games for the Broncos for eight and a half seasons, catching 665 receptions for 9,055 yards and 60 touchdowns.
Demaryius Thomas as a star wide receiver
Thomas is second all-time in receiving yards (9,763) and touchdowns (63) with the Broncos, following only Rod Smith who has recorded 11,389 yards and 68 touchdowns. Thomas was part of a record-breaking Denver offence in 2013, and despite the Broncos losing 43-8 to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII, he set a new franchise record with 14 catches in that game.
Demaryius Thomas, a first-round pick, five-time Pro-Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion for Denver Broncos, was found dead at his home in Roswell, Ga. He would have turned 34 Christmas Day. pic.twitter.com/G6td6do0u2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 10, 2021
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
However, it took little time for the Broncos to retaliate. Since the franchise won the Super Bowl two years later, with Thomas catching an eight-yard pass in a 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
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Thomas stayed with the Broncos for two and a half more seasons after winning Super Bowl 50 in 2015 before being dealt to the Houston Texans. Prior to his last season in 2019, Thomas had time with the New England Patriots and the New York Jets as well. In June 2020, he announced his retirement from the NFL.
We are devastated and completely heartbroken.
Demaryius' humility, warmth, kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him. pic.twitter.com/0GLZIr6UP3
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2021
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Thomas, during his ten season career as a professional footballer, caught 724 catches for 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns in 143 games. Thomas will definitely be inducted into the Broncos’ Hall of Fame as a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time second-team All-Pro.
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