Broncos Great White Receiver Demarius Thomas – Players and fans mourn the death of CBS Denver

Englewood, Colo. (CBS4)– Former NFL star Demarius Thomas He was pronounced dead at his Roswell home in Georgia on Thursday evening. The police there say. He is 33 years old.

“Initial information is that his death was caused by a medical problem, and our investigators now have no reason to believe otherwise,” Atlanta Suburban Police said in a statement.

Police told family they saw Thomas bathing in his home.

“He has been suffering from epilepsy for more than a year and we believe he had epilepsy while taking a bath,” said Lotonia Fonseca, the first cousin who grew up with Thomas, who told the AP early Friday morning that they considered themselves siblings. .

“We do not know when he died. We just talked to him yesterday.

He added, “He was alone. A friend could not catch him, so he called his driver who had a key because of these seizures, and found him when he went to his house and took a shower.”

Cody Benjamin reports from CBSSports.com Thomas, who last played in 2019, was only official Announced his retirement In June.

We have been devastated and completely heartbroken.

Demerius’ humility, warmth, compassion and contagious smile will always be remembered by those who know him and love him. pic.twitter.com/0GLZIr6UP3

– Denver Broncos (Broncos) December 10, 2021

Many Broncos players tweeted emotional responses to the news.

Mind broken pic.twitter.com/e3EbU0aPeP

– D-Ware (DeMarcusWare) December 10, 2021

Forever loving brother pic.twitter.com/eUQDBR8WP5

– Brandon Marshall (@BMarshh) December 10, 2021

No way man. I was heartbroken

– Garrett Poles (@ gbolles72) December 10, 2021

Dam

– BradRoby (@BradRoby_1) December 10, 2021

Relax brother. Injury.

– Derek Wolf (@ Derek_Wolfe95) December 10, 2021

Absolutely not sick. Shake. Nausea. Can not be true. I love you 88. I have always had the luxury of calling a friend one of the most kind, genuine, humble, generous superstars. Hug someone you love

– Tyler Columbus (yTyler_Polumbus) December 10, 2021

I learned a lot from this man … one of the most powerful and beautiful and gentle athletes around me … then he was fun, smart and awesome … I’m in tears … I love you, DD! ⁇ pic.twitter.com/KXrlucJAQ4

– ஜோல்ட்ரீசென் (JoelDreessen) December 10, 2021

DD took the whole flight home from Super Bowl with my son, carried him on his lap on the bus, picked him up during the parade, loaded him into the fire truck, and celebrated with him like his own child. I hope my son remembers 88. pic.twitter.com/tpByZZaklo

– Tyler Columbus (yTyler_Polumbus) December 10, 2021

This is my favorite clip of me picking up DT. This is Demerius. Such a loss. Just pain. pic.twitter.com/h7W3Lr11Ce

– Ryan Green 📷 (yan RyanCBS4) December 10, 2021

Patrick Smith, Denver Broncos Chief Communications Officer, Issued a statement From former Broncos Super Bowl champion Payton Manning, “DD is a better person than he was, and he’s a Hall of Fame player. It tells you how good a man he is.

Thomas, 33, who was drafted by the Broncos in the first round of the 2010 draft, made the NFL the franchise’s second leading recipient in franchise history. He was selected for five Pro Bowls, winning two AFC Championships and a Super Bowl 50. The Broncos celebrated Thomas’ life during the team’s regular-season home opening against the New York Jets, the last team Thomas played at Empower Field in September. Miles high.

“Demaryius had an incredible NFL career and this is a big part of everything we’ve achieved in the many years he has been Bronco,” said John Elway, head of Broncos football operations after Thomas announced his retirement. “DT” was a complete set as a wide receiver, growing into one of the best in his position. His combination of size, speed, strength and athleticism is unparalleled. Demarius’ remarkable consistency and productivity played a key role in setting our criminal records and helping our team win several games, including two AFC Championships and the Super Bowl 50.

Related: The NFL reacts to the tragic death of Demarius Thomas of the Broncos

Thomas finished second in his career at reception (718), gain yards (9,814 yards), 100-yard gain games (36), and touchdowns (66). Since 2012-15, he has received 90 receptions and 1,300 receiving yards each season, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Marvin Harrison and Jerry Rice as the only players to reach those scores in four consecutive seasons. He was also the third Bronco to make five consecutive Pro Bowls.

Two plays resonate in the minds of Broncos fans as they watch Thomas’ life. First, in 2011, Tim Depo, along with 80-yard touchdown bass Thomas, defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-23 in AFC wild card game extra time. Second, in 2014, Beaten Manning’s 509th carrier caught the Downtown pass, surpassing Brett Forv’s’ all-time passing touchdown record.