Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was found dead in his home this week.
The widely respected 10-year NFL veteran was just 33 years old.
He was set to turn 34 on Christmas Day.
By all accounts, Thomas had been dealing with a private medical issue for some time now.
“He had been suffering from seizures for over a year, and we believe he had a seizure when he was showering,” LaTonya Bonseigneur, a first cousin who grew up with Thomas, told the Associated Press. “We’re not sure when he died. We just spoke with him yesterday.”
Thomas was apparently alone at the time of his passing.
“He was alone and a friend couldn’t get hold of him, so he called his driver, who has a key because of these seizures, and he went into his home and found him in the shower,” Bonseigneur added.
Over the course of his professional career Thomas played for the Broncos, Houston Texans and New York Jets. In that time he accumulated 724 catches for 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns.
Thomas’ most memorable years, however, came with one particular team – the Broncos.
Upon Peyton Manning’s arrival, Thomas put together an incredible run that saw him record at least 90 receptions and 1,300 yards over the course of four straight seasons.
The Broncos issued this statement upon news of Thomas’ passing:
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
While Thomas’ most successful run came with Manning, his most memorable play came with Tim Tebow as his quarterback.
In an absolutely insane AFC Wild Card showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thomas was able to haul in a short pass from Tebow and turn it into an 80-yard score to win the game in overtime.
Tebow also took a moment to acknowledge Thomas’ passing on 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
More details regarding the specifics of Thomas’ passing will likely emerge in the coming days and weeks, but the impact he had on those around him is clear.
In an all-around sad season for the NFL that has seen one legal disaster after another after another occur, this feels like just the latest sad blow in a pretty rough year.
Actions have consequences. https://t.co/TPnBzy8ncP
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 9, 2021
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
