OT: Demaryius Thomas dead at 33

Submitted by Mr. Elbel on December 10th, 2021 at 7:31 AM

After retiring this summer, former Denver Broncos and Georgia Tech receiver Demaryius Thomas has been found dead in his home in Roswell, GA at the age of 33. Early investigations indicate he may have died from a medical condition. His family says he has been suffering from seizures for over a year and suspects that may be the cause. Since the news hit last night, devastated messages have come in from fans, players, coaches, and organizations mourning his loss.

Demaryius played 10 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the Broncos, and finished with 724 catches for 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns. He was a part of Denver's victory in Superbowl 50 and is 2nd all time in receiving yards and TDs for the Broncos. He is also one of three players in history to have 1,400 yards and 10 TDs in 3 straight seasons (others being Marvin Harrison and Jerry Rice).

RIP to this young man and condolences to all who knew him.

Angry-Dad

December 10th, 2021 at 7:34 AM ^

Horrible.  Great player.  I remember a story about him and his mom during the super bowl that was super emotional.  Peace to her and their family.  RIP

TeslaRedVictorBlue

December 10th, 2021 at 7:38 AM ^

As a broncos fan, very sad to hear this. He was a great player in Denver. His most famous catch is arguably the catch on the first play of overtime against the Steelers when Tebow hit him on a shallow cross and he took it 80 yard to the house for the win in the playoffs. Rip.

MaizeAndBlueWahoo

December 10th, 2021 at 8:36 AM ^

Man, that's a kick in the teeth.

He really had an interesting career arc.  He was recruited as basically Megatron's successor at GT, but midway through his career Paul Johnson took over and brought the triple option with him.  He considered transferring (what WR wouldn't?) but stuck it out, completely blew up, became a blocking monster and averaged 25 yards a catch because Paul Johnson, and springboarded into a terrific NFL career.  I just hate to see a guy have a long career - in anything, really - and be cheated out of retirement like that.

JMo

December 10th, 2021 at 8:37 AM ^

Hate to see a death so young.

This play is one of my favorite NFL playoff memories ever. I was out with a bunch of friends, we were getting ready for an evening of bar-hopping. My parlay hit, it was a huge play and a great start to the night. Part of the reason I love sports is how the people/games are interwoven into our personal lives.

RIP Thomas.

 

Or, if you prefer,  link to the video on YouTube.

gustave ferbert

December 10th, 2021 at 8:53 AM ^

Terrible news. 

I'm ashamed to admit, I didn't know much about him. (Lions fan here which means I don't watch the NFL).  First thing that came up on my search:  4.38/40.  

 

RIP 

Kevin13

December 10th, 2021 at 9:13 AM ^

Sad news here in Denver. I meet him once at a gym I belonged to. He was there shooting a commercial. Really nice guy and a great athlete. RIP DT 

Ali G Bomaye

December 10th, 2021 at 9:36 AM ^

So sad. I remember reading an ESPN article about how his mother was in prison and was getting out soon, and how he hoped to provide for her.

It always makes me wonder when a former player has brain issues, as initial reports were that he had a history of seizures. Hopefully we can figure out ways to make this sport safer.

Hotel Putingrad

December 10th, 2021 at 10:17 AM ^

By all accounts, he was a better person than player, and he was a phenomenal football player. His five year stretch from 2012-2016 was probably the best such window ever for a wide receiver. RIP.

ypsituckyboy

December 10th, 2021 at 10:51 AM ^

Sure seems CTE related. Football is a brutal game. Pro football, especially. Fellow GT alum Calvin Johnson was very smart for calling it quits early. Set for life. Sports are fun, but retiring while your body is in tact is probably the right choice.

drjaws

December 10th, 2021 at 11:36 AM ^

First of all, CTE is pure speculation on your part. Could it be true? Sure, but until an autopsy is done there's no point in posting that.

Second, what in the fuck are you even talking about?

Calvin played 9 years. Demaryius played 10. Demaryius played in 8 more games over his career, and started two LESS games than Johnson. Almost identical playing time for their careers.