Demaryius Thomas dies; football world reacts, including tributes from Peyton Manning, Brandon Marshall
Former teammates and other current and former NFL players expressed their appreciation Thursday night for Demaryius Thomas after learning the former wide receiver had died unexpectedly at age 33.
Thomas was found dead in his home in Roswell, Ga., an Atlanta suburb, police in Roswell told The Associated Press and other media. A medical issue is the preliminary cause. One of Thomas’ cousins, LaTonya Bonseigneur, told the AP that Thomas’ family believes he suffered a seizure. Bonseigneur also told the AP that Thomas had been suffering from seizures for more than a year.
Thomas was a five-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion during his 10-year NFL career. He was drafted in the first round (22nd overall) by the Broncos in 2010 out of Georgia Tech and played with them until the middle of the 2018 season. He finished his career playing for the Texans, Jets and Patriots. He announced his retirement last June.
Peyton Manning, Brandon Marshall, Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and Russell Wilson were among the many NFL players, past and present, who paid tribute to Thomas. Manning released a statement through the Broncos.
Peyton Manning (1 of 2): “D.T. was a better person than he was a player, and he was a Hall of Fame player. That tells you how good of a person he was. He treated my kids like they were his own. He was there for every teammate’s charity event. …” https://t.co/ZxXyaatzR6
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) December 10, 2021
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
A sampling of reactions on social media.
I learned so much from this man…one of the most powerful & graceful & smooth athletes I’ve ever been around…and then he was funny & smart & awesome to be around too…I am in tears…I love ya, DT! 🙏💔😢 pic.twitter.com/KXrlucJAQ4
— JoelDreessen (@JoelDreessen) December 10, 2021
DT sat with my son son the entire plane ride home from Super Bowl, held him on his lap on Bus, carried him and hoisted him on fire truck during the parade and celebrated with him as if his own kid. I hope my son remembers 88. pic.twitter.com/tpByZZaklo
— Tyler Polumbus (@Tyler_Polumbus) December 10, 2021
Damn Rest In Peace Demaryius Thomas.
So sad 😔
— Wu (@CALLME_WOOD) December 10, 2021
Life is so short… prayers up 🙏🏾
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) December 10, 2021
Fly High DT 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 #88
— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) December 10, 2021
Mannnnn that’s just heart breaking… So much life was left for Demaryius Thomas to live. Prayers up for him, his family and loved ones https://t.co/VCQ4CZ3NSf
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 10, 2021
