Tragic NFL news was reported Thursday night surrounding former Denver Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas.
The 33-year-old was reportedly found dead in his home and the initial reports were eventually confirmed by multiple sources.
This was shocking to read and remains so today.
Thomas was so young and it seems like just yesterday he was one of the more prominent receivers in the NFL.
Such a tragedy is hard to fathom and both current and former NFL players were quick to share their condolences on Twitter.
Heartbroken. #RIP Young Legend.
DeMaryius Thomas 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 #88 pic.twitter.com/JRT99jUwlx— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) December 10, 2021
Woke up and saw the really devastating news about my teammate and friend, Demaryius Thomas. So many are going to remember him for his athletic ability… but I’ll be remembering him for his kindness, his smile that would light up a room, and the love he had for those in his life. pic.twitter.com/gNVzmJ503X
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) December 10, 2021
Remembering A Great Human Being
So much of the sentiment from players focuses on just how great of a person Thomas was.
His accomplishments on the field were amazing, but he is being remembered for who he was as a human being.
Several NFL reporters also shared videos and stories about the former receiver.
Most people saw what Demaryius Thomas could do on the field. Off the field, he was even more special.
These are just some of the videos I still have on my phone that swore I never would delete. Being around little kids was when Demaryius seemed the happiest. pic.twitter.com/E1UIXigpIJ
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 10, 2021
I met Demaryius Thomas when he was at Georgia Tech – painfully shy and incredibly sweet. He grew so much as a person but never lost that sweetness & kindness.I asked him if he was happy and this was the picture he sent me. This smile truly epitomizes his light. Devastating. pic.twitter.com/nvIj0btlVU
— Laura Okmin (@LauraOkmin) December 10, 2021
“He was full of personality… a great dude, great teammate, [and] loved his family."
The entire NFL family sends their condolences to all those who loved and knew Demaryius Thomas. pic.twitter.com/cusA8nWfe1
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 10, 2021
Thomas was a first-round pick of the Broncos in 2010 and played there for nine seasons.
He won a Super Bowl with Peyton Manning as his quarterback and will always be remembered for when he and Tim Tebow shocked the world in the 2011 playoffs.
One of the greatest moments in sports history, brought to you by Tim Tebow and Demaryius Thomas. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/F7LnmGp871
— Nick Adams (@NickAdamsinUSA) December 10, 2021
But as fans can see, Thomas was so much more than one play or one great season.
Demaryius Thomas’ football feats were incredible, but this is the man I’ll remember: The guy who was kind, always smiling, who was Uncle DT to so many kids, and who was always thoughtful and sincere in our professional relationship. pic.twitter.com/F5q1qDLVEw
— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) December 10, 2021
Im so sad to wake up this morning to hear about the passing of my friend Demariyus Thomas. We were all blessed with his humility and positive spirit, and we will all miss him. This photo is from the Hall of Fame this past August, a source of light as always. 🙏 RIP pic.twitter.com/o3hvQN0cRz
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) December 10, 2021
DeMarcus Ware’s tribute to Demaryius Thomas
(Via @DeMarcusWare IG) pic.twitter.com/YL0C3l65Xq
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) December 10, 2021
Thomas is a Broncos legend and will always be remembered as such.
He was also clearly a legend among his peers, even at such a young age.
Fans hear so many stories of athletes starting drama or even being rude to the media.
Thomas was the exact opposite and it is amazing to see all the stories come out about how great he was as a person.
The Demaryius Thomas news is so sad. He overcame so much to earn all that he did, and to be gone so young, with so much left to do is truly a tragedy. What an amazing athlete and and even better human. R.I.P DT 🙏🏾
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) December 10, 2021
Thomas’ legacy will live on and hopefully the NFL finds a great way to honor him this weekend and throughout the rest of the season.
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