The Broncos honored the late Demaryius Thomas in a variety of ways on Sunday as they faced the Lions in Denver, including bringing the offensive team onto the field with just 10 players in their first game since the script. Denver then adjourned a penalty.
A memorial service was scheduled for Friday morning following the news of Thomas’ death on Thursday night. Denver spoke to Detroit later in the day, and the organization told the players on Saturday. It informed referee John Hussey before the match.
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The lions refused punishment as cheerleaders flooded the Empower Field at Mile High in honor of Thomas. The Broncos then displayed 88, Thomas’ number, on the stadium’s video board.
Before the match, the Broncos showed a video of praise on the scoreboard. Then there was a moment of silence.
Peyton Manning and family attended Sunday’s game. Thomas was one of Manning’s stars on their 2016 Super Bowl winning team. In a pregnancy interview, Manning said that Thomas was one of the reasons he signed with Denver as a free agent.
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A memorial has been erected outside the stadium for fans to mourn a major brand. A framed shirt and a photograph of Thomas were on display. The Broncos had an artist paint a portrait of Thomas outside the stadium before the game. The painting was carried into the hallway by the Broncos dressing room so that the players could see it as they prepared to play.
The Broncos also painted the number 88 in the margin and broke an area around the number.
All Broncos players have their 88 helmets. Several players came to the match wearing Thomas’s jerseys.
