Demaryius Thomas wants to retire with the Denver Broncos

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos pumps up the crowd after scoring a first quarter touchdown against the New York Jets at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos pumps up the crowd after scoring a first quarter touchdown against the New York Jets at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Demaryius Thomas is well regarded as one of the best Denver Broncos players to wear that uniform and he wants to retire in Denver.

There has been one move made by Josh McDaniels that John Elway and the Broncos should thank McDaniels for and it is drafting Demaryius Thomas. Thomas came from Georgia Tech University which is the same place that helped produce the likes of Calvin Johnson.

The talent level of Thomas leaped off the page leaving consideration of Dez Bryant or Thomas. Once Thomas got to Denver the Broncos wide receiver struggled in his first full season. However, the next handful of seasons after became where he etched himself into Broncos-lore and also Thomas’ play against the Pittsburgh Steelers jump-started him to stardom.

Thomas’s route running coming from Georgia Tech was nothing more than go’s or nine routes, but once Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning entered the room Thomas’ talent started to show.

He worked on his route running daily and participated in numerous passing camps with Peyton. You would never find a harder worker and true gym rat than Thomas. He got it. Thomas would give 110 percent every single play like it was his last.

With the Broncos, Thomas had five straight seasons of 1,000 yards from 2012 to 2016. He should have achieved six straight if it was not for other things planned.

In an interview with 104.3 The Fan, Thomas spoke about the possibility of retiring in Denver and he would welcome it with open arms. He loves Denver.

All through the years with the Broncos, Demaryius became a voice for the team. A player respected and loved in the locker room. He became a team captain.

The Broncos and Demaryius, unfortunately, ended on bad terms via trade, but the fact there’s still a fire that belongs where his start happened means more than anything. Thomas would and should be welcomed back with open arms.

Speaking of welcoming back, Thomas would love a reunion with Denver.

Thomas understands the role he will be in and the fact he remains in contact with Courtland Sutton means about as much as Thomas returning.

We talked about Thomas’ leadership and his view from others. The simple fact Sutton and Thomas maintain constant communication speaks wonders to the people both of them are. Sutton was compared to the player Thomas was coming out in 2018.

Both struggling with route running and working on better hands. True leadership matters when it involves the other generation.

From every moment Thomas stepped onto a field with Denver he has never taken plays off. His work ethic became admirable and the leadership as stated was a treat.

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From his touchdown against the Steelers, the number of catches in a Super Bowl 48 blowout, too many memorable moments with Manning like winning Super Bowl 50, Thomas has been one of the best players to wear a Broncos uniform and he never received the recognition he should have.

The drops are concerning and to the extent they are right. However, Thomas’ catch percentage is higher than Rod Smith. Yes, Rod Smith. That wide receiver that should be in the Hall of Fame one day and caught a flea-flicker from John Elway.

Thomas became a physical specimen and when Manning came was a speed threat to go along with his size. In his prime, there were very few wide receivers that could do what Thomas did in football games.

If Thomas wants a relationship again with Denver, then so be it. I’m all for him having his jersey retired in the stadium and him to wear that orange and blue again. Maybe one day we will talk about Thomas and the Hall of Fame also.