Thursday represents yet another hard day for the NFL community. Multiple reports indicate that four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has tragically passed away at the age of 33.
The rumors started with a post on social media with some questioning whether they were real. The idea of someone passing away while at the height of his/her life just doesn’t seem to be real.
Unfortunately, confirmation came later Thursday evening with Broncos insider Benjamin Allbright confirming the news. The cause of death is not yet known.
A first-round pick of the Denver Broncos back in 2010, Thomas was among the best receivers in the NFL over a good five-year span. From 2012-16, he averaged 98 receptions for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns. Thomas last played back in 2019 as a member of the New York Jets — registering 36 catches for 433 yards.
A native of Georgia, Thomas was a four-star recruit in 2006. He ended up signing with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets despite offers from better-known college football programs. He earned First-Team All-ACC honors in 2009 despite playing in a run-first offense.
Thomas’ personal life included his mother and grandmother being arrested on charges of selling crack cocaine. Both were sentenced to 20 years in prison. It’s something Demaryius Thomas opened up about during his days in the NFL. His grandmother was ultimately freed via commutation by then-President Barack Obama back in 2016.
Widely respected by teammates and opponents, Thomas was well-known as a devout Christian who did a ton of good within his community.
As for Thomas’ death, it’s being noted that he passed away inside his home in Roswell, Georgia. It is being said Thomas died from a seizure stemming from injuries he suffered in a car accident back in 2019.
We’ll have further updates on the cause of death when information comes out. For now, our thoughts go out to Demaryius Thomas’ friends and family as well as the organizations he played for.