Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, has died at age 33, according to Roswell, Georgia, police. In a statement on Thursday night, they said that Thomas was found dead in his home. Preliminary reports, according to police, indicated Thomas’ death might have resulted from a medical issue. LaTonya Bonseigneur, a first cousin who grew up with Thomas, so close they considered themselves siblings, told The Associated Press that the family believes he 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 early Friday. “We’re not sure when he died. We just spoke with him yesterday.”
Former teammates also noted Thursday night that Thomas might have been having seizures in recent months. The Broncos released a statement early Friday, mourning the loss of “an incredible player and a special person.”
[Demaryius’] legacy as a Bronco extended far beyond the playing field as a caring, generous member of our community.
We have lost an incredible player and a special person in Demaryius Thomas. https://t.co/eORPtwKQGt
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2021
“We are devastated and completely heartbroken by the sudden, tragic passing of Demaryius Thomas,” the Broncos said. “D.T. was beloved by our entire organization, his teammates and coaches, and our fans. Recently retiring as a Bronco, we were very much looking forward to celebrating Demaryius for years to come as one of the greatest players in franchise history.”
The Broncos went on to add, “Demaryius’ humility, warmth, kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him.”
Thomas, who would have turned 34 on Christmas, had announced his retirement from the NFL in June with a short video with a peace sign and his characteristic smile.
“I’m Demaryius Thomas. I finally came to a decision to hang it up. … I’m going to retire and I’m going to retire a Denver Bronco,” he said. “… I’m done and I did well.”
Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who played with Thomas for four seasons, also released a statement early Friday.
“DT was a better person than he was a player, and he was a Hall of Fame player,” Manning said. “That tells you how good of a person he was. He treated my kids like they were his own. He was there for every teammate’s charity event. … Absolutely devastated.”
Several other former teammates and opponents took to social media early Thursday night as reports of Thomas’ death began to appear.
DeMarcus Ware, a teammate of Thomas’ for three seasons, posted a photo of Thomas and himself Thursday night captioned simply “heartbroken.” Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris posted “so sad man,” and former Thomas teammate and linebacker Brandon Marshall posted “Love forever bro.”
They spoke for many as hundreds of Broncos fans posted videos and other tributes.
Heartbroken 💔 pic.twitter.com/e3EbU0aPeP
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) December 10, 2021
So sad man
— Shelby Harris (@ShelbyHarris93) December 10, 2021
His mother’s sentence was commuted by President Barack Obama in 2015, and Smith saw her son play football in person for the first time in the Broncos’ playoff win over the Steelers in January 2016.
Manning, who kneeled down on the game’s final play, gave Thomas the football from that play to give to Thomas’ mother.
