DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 19: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos celebrates on the sideline after throwing his NFL record 509th career touchdown pass with Demaryius Thomas #88, who caught the pass, in the second quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 19, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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Current and former NFL players reacted to the news of former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas passing away at the age of 33 on Thursday.
During Thursday Night Football between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings, the NFL world received some sad news. Demaryius Thomas, former wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, passed away at the young age of 33.
Details of his death weren’t immediately made available. Both TMZ and USA TODAY reported that law enforcement officials in Georgia told them the death was related to a ‘medical issue’, whoever no further details were given.
Among the first to offer condolences, as well as absorb the shock of his death along with football fans everywhere, were Thomas’ former teammates in Denver.
Current players like Russell Wilson and former players like Lance Briggs tweeted out their condolences as the news was confirmed:
Life is so short… prayers up 🙏🏾
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) December 10, 2021
Fly High DT 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 #88
— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) December 10, 2021
RIP Demaryius Thomas🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
— MaddMaxx (@CrosbyMaxx) December 10, 2021
RIP Demaryius Thomas, i can’t believe it
— Michael Carter (@8kMike) December 10, 2021
NFL Twitter reacts to tragic Demaryius Thomas news
After playing three seasons for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Thomas was selected with the 22nd overall pick by the Broncos in the 2010 NFL Draft. He made a huge impact during his time there, including a walk-off, 80-yard touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round in 2011. Thomas made two trips to the Super Bowl in Denver, hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of Super Bowl 50.
After nine years with the Broncos, Thomas was traded to the Houston Texans in the middle of the 2018 season. In 2019, the wide receiver played for the New England Patriots and New York Jets. Thomas announced his retirement from the NFL earlier this year.
In his 11 year career, Thomas recorded 724 catches for 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns. Thomas was named to the Pro Bowl four-times and won the Super Bowl.
We would like to send out condolences to Demaryius Thomas’ family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time.
