Broncos to honor WR Demaryius Thomas with decals, tributes against Lions
The Denver Broncos will honor former receiver Demaryius Thomas in a number of ways on Sunday ahead of their game against the Detroit Lions, the team announced on Friday, one day after Thomas’ death.
Thomas died Thursday at his Atlanta-area home. He was 33.
The Broncos will hold a moment of silence, run a pregame video tribute and all wear No. 88 helmet decals for the game in Denver.
"There's still 10 players on this team that played with him," coach Vic Fangio said Friday, via the team. "A bunch of coaches that coached him, including [running backs coach] Curtis Modkins, who recruited him to Georgia Tech and was one of his college coaches besides being on the staff here in 2018 with him. We have over 40 workers in the organization and the support staff that were around him.
"Just seeing and feeling their reaction and hurt just tells you what a special player D.T. was. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but [him being] a special player and a special person is obvious by their responses."
Thomas played for the Broncos for nearly all of his decade-long NFL career, and has recorded more receiving yards than all but one receiver in franchise history. The four-time Pro-Bowler helped lead the Broncos alongside Peyton Manning to a Super Bowl win in the 2015 season, and is credited with securing their incredible wild-card overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011.
Demaryius Thomas made the new Mile High roar louder than anyone ever did.
He took hit after hit and played through pain. He never quit. Even when he was struggling, he found ways to help his team.pic.twitter.com/FjplwQdk0n— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) December 10, 2021
Thomas officially retired through the Broncos earlier this year.
Details about his death are not yet clear, though police said they believe it stemmed from a medical issue. His cousin, LaTonya Boseigneur, told The Associated Press that his family believes the medical issue was a seizure — something he had apparently been dealing with for a while.
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
“We have lost an incredible player and a special person in Demaryius Thomas,” the team said in a statement, in part. “Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the Thomas family and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss.”
Fangio said the team gathered on Friday morning to talk "extensively" about Thomas.
"Obviously the people that knew him and were around him, they're sad and depressed — down a little bit," Fangio said, via the team. "But I think everybody handled the day well, we had a good practice and we're ready to pay tribute to him on Sunday."
