According to numerous reports, longtime Denver Broncos wideout Demaryius Thomas passed away at age 33 on Thursday night.
Fox 5 Sports’ Miles Garrett confirmed the passing on Twitter. The cause of death remains unknown.
“I just emailed Demaryius Thomas position coach while he was at West Laurens High School – Jeff Clayton,” Garrett said, “He tells me that the rumors are true.”
An additional tweet from Adam Schefter announced that Thomas “was found dead at his home in Roswell, Ga.”
The sudden tragedy comes nearly six months since his last appearance on an NFL field, as part of the New York Jets. Thomas retired a Jet on June 28, 2021 — stepping away from a quietly decorated career.
Since getting drafted in the first round in 2010, Thomas displayed elite production — accumulating four seasons of more than 1,300 receiving yards, five Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl 50 win in 2016 with Peyton Manning and the Broncos.
Thomas netted the fifth-most touchdown receptions among Manning’s extensive history of eligible receivers with 29 scores. He was also at the receiving end of several Manning passing records in Denver, including his 500th career touchdown.
Before the halcyon days of Manning and a Super Bowl victory, Thomas’ career-defining moment came in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game in 2012 between the Broncos and Steelers.
A Tim Tebow-led Broncos team miraculously won in overtime off an 80-yard touchdown to the wideout. Thomas caught the Tebow pass, stiff-armed an oncoming Ike Taylor and used his speed to cross the end zone.
