The Denver Broncos and the wider NFL world was thrown for a loop Thursday evening when news broke that star wide receiver Demaryius Thomas passed away.
A four-time Pro Bowler during his nine seasons with the Broncos, Thomas passed away at the young age of 33 after suffering a seizure. The tragedy stems from a car accident he was involved in a few years prior.
Taking on the Detroit Lions at home on Sunday, the Broncos paid homage to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of the game. That included taking the field with just 10 men on the field and void of an X wide receiver, the position that Thomas played during his time in Mile High City.
What an absolutely tremendous moment inside Empower Field at Mile High. Officials ended up calling Denver for a delay of game. However, the Lions did their part in paying respects to Thomas by denying the penalty.
It has to be hard for Broncos players to even take to the field mere days after news of Thomas’ tragic passing caught the entire sports world off guard.
Demaryius Thomas is considered an all-time great in Denver. He helped the team win Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. All said, Thomas registered 665 catches for 9,055 yards and 60 touchdowns in Denver. He ranks third in franchise history in receptions, second in receiving yards and second in touchdown catches.
More importantly, Thomas meant meant a whole bunch to the community. He did so much good during his time in Denver. That’s one of the reasons news of his tragic passing hit the NFL community so hard.