Over the past 24 hours, former teammates and coaches have been overwhelmingly supportive and congratulatory for Demaryius Thomas’s retirement.
Broncos Country has seen players like Peyton Manning, Champ Bailey, and DeMarcus Ware speak glowingly about Demaryius “Bebe” Thomas, not only as a player but a person too. Having guys like the aforementioned glow about your character like this speaks volumes about who you are as an individual.
Demaryius Thomas was the ultimate “Bowlen Bronco.”
During a bullish nine-year career, Demaryius Thomas became the franchise’s second all-time leading receiver, trailing just undrafted gem, Rod Smith. Totaling 655 receptions for 9,055 yards and 60 touchdowns, Thomas was well worth the 22nd overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Providing this proud franchise and fan base with so many memories, the most important one had to begin with the day of April 22nd, 2010. For without this day, Broncos Country is never blessed with this outstanding player, person, and teammate.
In his retirement speech, Thomas alluded to how important this day was for him. Unfortunately for Thomas, his mother and grandmother, two important women and people in his life were unable to attend this heavily important day for him.
That said, he was supported by his uncle and cousin during draft night, and he mentioned how special this was for him. Being drafted into the NFL was something he believed in, as Demaryius Thomas told his mother, “it’s something I believe I can go pro in.”
His success changed not only his life but his mother’s and grandmother’s as well. With the help of former President Barack Obama, Thomas was able to get his family home. Certainly, him being an NFL athlete isn’t the only reason for his, but his recognition certainly helped the process.
Everything began for the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket on this day, therefore, it was the most important moment in Demaryius Thomas’s career.
Being the first wide receiver selected in his respected draft brought hefty expectations as the Denver Broncos selected a wide receiver coming from a triple-option-based offense. Passing on Dez Bryant, a known commodity, for someone who seen very few targets throughout his collegiate career seemed risky at the time.
Boy, it sure panned out well for the Denver Broncos. Not that Dez Bryant had a bad career, but Thomas exemplifies everything I’d look for in a person, player, and teammate. Having the validation from a player like Peyton Manning backs that up.