Former NFL standout wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was found dead at his Roswell, Georgia home Thursday night, according to police reports.
Thomas played 10 seasons in the league, primarily with the Denver Broncos and was a member of the Super Bowl 50 championship team.
The standout playmaker announced his retirement from professional football on June 28, 2021.
News of Thomas’s passing shocked the sports world late Thursday night and many tributes recognized his on and off the field accomplishments.
Just got confirmation as well.
Demaryius Thomas has passed.
One of the kindest humans I've ever met. EVER.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) December 10, 2021
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
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
I just emailed Demaryius Thomas position coach while he was at West Laurens High School – Jeff Clayton.
He tells me that the rumors are true. The former Georgia Tech and Broncos receiver has passed away at the age of 33. pic.twitter.com/WnmVfm1ln2
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) December 10, 2021
Former Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas has died at the age of 33.
Roswell, Ga., police said Thursday night Thomas was found dead in his home and preliminary reports were Thomas’ death may have resulted from a medical issue. pic.twitter.com/679Gt4gbDV
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 10, 2021
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
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
Demaryius Thomas, 33, who spent nine of his 10 seasons with the Denver Broncos, was found dead in his home, said Roswell, Ga., police. https://t.co/a24QHsh6ZE
— ESPN (@espn) December 10, 2021
One of the most memorable moments of Thomas’s career was this electrifying touchdown pass from quarterback Tim Tebow against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
https://twitter.com/NickAdamsinUSA/status/1469156790428389383
Others recognized his character and admirable work with kids off the field:
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
Star on and off the field
Rest easy Demaryius Thomas pic.twitter.com/1BVkGbM7yn
— NYJ Matt (@NYJ_Matt) December 10, 2021
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
When he got to the NFL, Thomas would often talk about his difficult childhood and would tell kids who might be going through the same thing that they are loved— and that they matter.
Yes, Demaryius Thomas was a 4-time Pro Bowl wide receiver. But he was much more than that. (3/4)
— Vic Vela (@VicVela1) December 10, 2021
I met Demaryius Thomas at Denver International Airport about 48 hrs after the divisional round playoff loss to Baltimore. He was surrounded by little kids, signing autographs and smiling. It’s how I’ll always reminder him. #BroncosCountry mourns tonight. pic.twitter.com/q1HKXje3oW
— James Harper (@JHarperMedia) December 10, 2021
Police reports don’t indicate any foul play and his death might have resulted from a medical issue.
ESPN reported:
LaTonya Bonseigneur, a first cousin who grew up with Thomas, so close they considered themselves siblings, told The Associated Press that the family believes he died from a seizure.
“He had been suffering from seizures for over a year, and we believe he had a seizure when he was showering,” Bonseigneur said early Friday. “We’re not sure when he died. We just spoke with him yesterday.”
Former teammates also noted Thursday night that Thomas might have been having seizures in recent months.
The Broncos released a statement early Friday, mourning the loss of “an incredible player and a special person.”
“We are devastated and completely heartbroken by the sudden, tragic passing of Demaryius Thomas,” the Broncos said. “D.T. was beloved by our entire organization, his teammates and coaches, and our fans. Recently retiring as a Bronco, we were very much looking forward to celebrating Demaryius for years to come as one of the greatest players in franchise history.”
The Broncos went on to add, “Demaryius’ humility, warmth, kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him.”
The New York Post notes:
“Demaryius was a great guy,” Bonseigneur said. “He came from humble beginnings. He knew God. He was raised in the church and by a close-knit family. Even though he rose to stardom, to us he was just a kid from Montrose. We never fathomed he would go on to do all these amazing things. He was just a kid who loved playing football.”
Thomas was not married and had no children, according to Bonseigneur.
Thomas was 11 when his mother, Katina Smith, and grandmother, Minnie Pearl Thomas, were arrested on drug charges.
Smith was sentenced to 20 years in prison after she refused a lesser term in exchange for testifying against her mother, who received a life sentence. Thomas wound up living with an uncle, James Brown, after Smith went to prison.
Thomas’ mother and grandmother were later freed by President Barack Obama under an initiative to reduce the number of non-violent drug offenders serving prison sentences. Smith was released in time to watch her son win a championship in February 2016 at Super Bowl 50.
Brown died on Nov. 15 of a heart attack at age 69, and Thomas attended his funeral, according to AP.
Thomas was involved in a single-vehicle car accident in 2019 and some believe his seizures may have stemmed from the incident.
Patriots wide receiver Demaryius Thomas opened up about his February car accidenthttps://t.co/74i4Y3BEZQ pic.twitter.com/zRPUVZ5zVG
— Boston.com Patriots News (@BDCPatriots) May 31, 2019
As KDVR described:
Thomas died from medical complications stemming from a 2019 vehicle crash, KOA Broncos reporter Benjamin Allbright learned.
Police in the Atlanta suburb of Roswell said Thomas was found dead in his home.
“Preliminary information is that his death stems from a medical issue, and our investigators currently have no reason to believe otherwise,” a police spokesperson said in a statement early Friday.
He had been reluctant to travel lately because of the lingering complications from the crash, Allbright said.
Thomas was giving of his time and “always wanted to give back with everything he did,” including working with children, Allbright said.
“He mentioned that multiple times when he played for the Broncos, that he was so fortunate and so blessed, he wanted to make sure everybody else had a blessed life,” Allbright said.
He was a mentor to other players and welcomed people to the league, Allbright said.
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