33-year-old wide receiver Demaryius Thomas announced his retirement from the NFL last week.
The 2010 first-round (No. 22 overall) draft pick from the Denver Broncos played with the team from 2010-2018.
He last played in 2019 after brief stints with the Houston Texans, New England Patriots, and New York Jets.
Thomas retired as a Bronco and rightly so as he was on the Super Bowl champion team that defeated the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
He holds many of the franchise receiving records, and the majority of his 9,763 receiving yards and 63 touchdowns were scored as a Bronco.
His entire career spanning 143 regular season games and 10 postseason games is a highlight reel, but here are the three top plays from this five-time Pro Bowler’s career.
3. October 29, 2014, Broncos vs. 49ers
One of the reasons Thomas was so special was because he was reliable.
In clutch situations, he made the plays.
His connection with Hall of Famer and one of the best clutch quarterbacks of all time, Peyton Manning, is on display on this TD catch in 2014.
Demaryius Thomas announced his retirement today. He had an ability to consistently make big plays when his team needed them the most. Thomas and Peyton Manning were magical. 🪄 #FantasyFootball #Broncos #NFL pic.twitter.com/CyohDGUu5G
— Moody (@EricNMoody) June 28, 2021
2. September 27, 2015, Broncos vs. Lions
4th and 1 was no problem for Thomas.
He was heavily covered but still made the grab not only to secure the first down but also a touchdown.
Most underrated play by Demaryius Thomas in my opinion came against the Detroit Lions.
Down: 4th and 1
Score: 7-6, Denver.
Time left in 2nd quarter: 13 seconds.
Result: TD for DT. pic.twitter.com/q1A8flrnWs
— Cameron Parker (@CamParkerPO) June 28, 2021
1. January 8, 2012, Broncos vs. Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers fans know this play well.
This was in the AFC Divisional round of the playoffs, and Tim Tebow was the Broncos’ quarterback.
In overtime, Tebow found Thomas, who scored an 80-yard touchdown to secure the win by the score of 29-23.
Demaryius Thomas has announced his retirement from the NFL.
Never forget this iconic playoff TD grab he had in 2012 🔥
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/MhIg9kv3K6
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 28, 2021
Player Tributes
As expected following Thomas’ announcement, a few of his former teammates congratulated him.
Manning, with whom Thomas connected with often in that Super Bowl championship season, said this on the Broncos Twitter account.
“I always had great respect for your toughness, your work ethic, your fearlessness across the middle, your ability to make big catches in big games. … You did it the right way.”
Peyton Manning on Demaryius Thomas: pic.twitter.com/3RhBODuhP8
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 28, 2021
Tebow, who is attempting an NFL comeback in a receiving position (tight end), spoke highly of Thomas also.
Both players were first-round draft picks by the Broncos (Tebow was No. 25 overall) in the 2010 NFL Draft.
“You made other people’s lives better because they were in your presence.” @TimTebow on Demaryius Thomas: pic.twitter.com/as8mHVYKVE
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 28, 2021
The next debate will be whether Thomas’ career is Hall-of-Fame worthy, and heated arguments will likely be made on both sides of the issue.
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