WATCH: Denver Broncos pay tribute to Demaryius Thomas on opening play
The Denver Broncos paid tribute to former wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who passed away at the age of 33 this week, by lining up with 10 men on the opening play of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. The offense took the delay of game penalty, which was declined by the defense before play started with two full teams on the field.
As the crowd stood in recognition of the Broncos tribute to Demaryius Thomas, wide receiver Courtland Sutton crouched on the sideline as the 11th man left off the field. A Lions defensive lineman can be heard on the broadcast informing his team of the moment as they stood out of their stance while the offensive line stood straight up until the clock expired.
As the time ticked off and the delay of game penalty occurred, fans continued cheering and 11th man joined his teammates on the field.
More about Demaryius Thomas
According to police in Roswell, Georgia., Thomas was found dead in his home on Thursday night. Police said his death was the result of a medical issue, and they do not have any reason to believe there were other causes at this time.
One of Thomas’ first cousins, LaTonya Bonseigneur, told the Associated Press that the family thinks Thomas died from a seizure.
“He had been suffering from seizures for over a year, and we believe he had a seizure when he was showering,” Bonseigneur said on Friday. “We’re not sure when he died. We just spoke with him yesterday.”
Thomas played college football for Georgia Tech from 2007-09, posting 1,154 yards and eight touchdowns during his final season. The performance earned him a first-round selection in the NFL Draft. Denver took him 22nd overall.
A native of Montrose, Ga., the receiver got his start at West Laurens High School. Despite also receiving a scholarship offer from the Georgia Bulldogs, he opted to play for the Yellow Jackets. They made an appearance in the Orange Bowl in 2009, falling to Iowa.
He went on to enjoy a decorated career which included five Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl. He surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in five of his 11 seasons, finishing his career with a total of 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns. His 9,055 receiving yards over nine seasons with Denver ranks second in franchise history, and his 60 career touchdown catches are third among all Broncos.
Thomas also spent time on the Houston Texans, New England Patriots and New York Jets. He announced his retirement from the sport just months ago in June of 2021.