Tributes Pour in for Late NFL Wide Receiver Demaryius Thomas

Tim Tebow and Tom Brady are among the notable players to pay tribute to Thomas.

Former Broncos star Demaryius Thomas has died at 33 years old.

Thomas was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro wide receiver, who played the majority of his NFL career with Denver. He also spent time with Houston, New England, and the New York Jets, with his last game action coming in 2019. He officially retired from the sport this past June. 

FOX 5 Atlanta producer Miles Garrett was the first with the news. On Thursday night, Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post confirmed the reports, stating that Thomas was found dead in his home earlier Thursday. Police reportedly believed his death could be linked to a medical issue. 

Denver-based Associated Press reporter Arnie Stapleton spoke to Thomas's sister, who says that the family believes he died from a seizure.

Those who knew and played with Thomas throughout his impressive career have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late wide receiver.

He and Tim Tebow will always be inextricably linked, thanks to the incredible 80-yard game-winning touchdown pass that sent the Broncos past the Steelers in the 2011 wild card. He found out about the news early Friday morning. 

Woke up and saw the really devastating news about my teammate and friend, Demaryius Thomas. So many are going to remember him for his athletic ability… but I’ll be remembering him for his kindness, his smile that would light up a room, and the love he had for those in his life. pic.twitter.com/gNVzmJ503X

— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) December 10, 2021

After Tebow's time in Denver ended, the team brought in future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, with whom Thomas won a Super Bowl. The two maintained a relationship after their retirements, and in a statement, Manning revealed the two had just spoken this week.

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

One of Manning's other top receivers in 2013–'14, Wes Welker, also took to Twitter to share his thoughts.

Heartbroken! Love ya DT!

— Wes Welker (@WesWelker) December 10, 2021

Thomas spent some time with the Patriots in 2019, before being traded to the Jets. Even in that short time, he developed a friendship with Pats legend Tom Brady, and the two spent time together earlier this year.

Im so sad to wake up this morning to hear about the passing of my friend Demariyus Thomas. We were all blessed with his humility and positive spirit, and we will all miss him. This photo is from the Hall of Fame this past August, a source of light as always. 🙏 RIP pic.twitter.com/o3hvQN0cRz

— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) December 10, 2021

Thomas played college ball at Georgia Tech, earning first-team All-ACC accolades in 2009, his final season before entering the NFL. He and NFL great Calvin Johnson overlapped for one year in 2006, when Thomas was a freshman and Johnson was an NFL-bound junior. 

A very sad day for @GeorgiaTechFB @NFL DT you resonated with many. Prayers up for you and your family. 💔 RIP. pic.twitter.com/En2FYSTsB0

— Calvin Johnson Jr. (@calvinjohnsonjr) December 10, 2021

Those who covered Thomas during his career also had incredible things to say about him off the field.

Demaryius Thomas’ football feats were incredible, but this is the man I’ll remember: The guy who was kind, always smiling, who was Uncle DT to so many kids, and who was always thoughtful and sincere in our professional relationship. pic.twitter.com/F5q1qDLVEw

— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) December 10, 2021

Most people saw what Demaryius Thomas could do on the field. Off the field, he was even more special.

These are just some of the videos I still have on my phone that swore I never would delete. Being around little kids was when Demaryius seemed the happiest. pic.twitter.com/E1UIXigpIJ

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 10, 2021

I met Demaryius Thomas when he was at Georgia Tech - painfully shy and incredibly sweet. He grew so much as a person but never lost that sweetness & kindness.I asked him if he was happy and this was the picture he sent me. This smile truly epitomizes his light. Devastating. pic.twitter.com/nvIj0btlVU

— Laura Okmin (@LauraOkmin) December 10, 2021

The last conversation I had with DT in person he said to me “you have always been my guy. You’ve always done me right.” It had actually always been the other way around. Win or lose he was always available. Anytime I needed help with anything he was there. Very very few like him. https://t.co/v5MQH6mR9y

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) December 10, 2021

Through the years of photographing the NFL and building relationships with players, Demaryius Thomas was by far one of the most compassionate, kind and giving individuals. His athletic ability was unquestionable but his spirit and humanity were unsurpassed.

— Eric Lars Bakke (@EricBakkePhoto) December 10, 2021

“We have lost an incredible player and a special person in Demaryius Thomas,” the Broncos said in a statement released on Thursday. “Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the Thomas family and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss.”

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