Demaryius Thomas dead: NFL star found deceased in his home at 33

Demaryius Thomas’ family has revealed the health problems he was experiencing for a year before he was found dead in his home at age 33.

The family of Demaryius Thomas believes he died from a seizure, relatives said.

The former Broncos wide receiver “had been suffering from seizures for over a year,” LaTonya Bonseigneur, Thomas’ cousin, said.

Demaryius Thomas, who was a star wide receiver in America’s NFL for a decade, has been found dead in his home at the age of 33.

He would have turned 34 on Christmas Day.

Police in Roswell, Georgia said preliminary reports indicated Thomas’s death may have resulted from a medical issue. Speaking to the Associated Press, Thomas’s sister said his family believed he died from a seizure.

Thomas played ten seasons in the NFL, nine of them with the Denver Broncos, and scored 63 touchdowns. He was one of the most prolific receivers in Denver’s history, with 9,055 yards to his name, the second-highest ever for a Bronco.

He played a leading role in the team that won the Super Bowl in 2015.

Thomas had short stints with the Houston Texans and New York Jets before officially announcement his retirement, as a Bronco, in June.

“There are so many things I can say. I’m humble, grateful, appreciative,” he said at the time.

“I’m just happy to say I’m done and (football) treated me well. I just wanted to be considered one of the best to come through Denver.

“I’ve been just trying to find myself. Leaving football is a tough thing. I was trying to find what I wanted to do next and build a relationship where I can help people; trying to find something that I love.”

Demaryius Thomas, playing for the Broncos, in 2018. Picture: Dustin Bradford/Getty Images/AFP

Thomas’s death at such a young age has shocked the NFL community. In a statement, the Broncos said they had been “very much looking forward” to celebrating him as one of their greatest ever players “years to come”.

“We are devastated and completely heartbroken by the sudden, tragic passing of Demaryius Thomas,” the team said.

“D.T. was beloved by our entire organisation, his teammates and coaches, and our fans.

“His legacy as a Bronco extended far beyond the playing field as a caring, generous member of our community. D.T. loved giving back, especially (through) spending time with children, and impacted countless lives through hospital visits, his annual football camp and many other genuine interactions.

“Demaryius’s humility, warmth, kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him.

“We have lost an incredible player and a special person. Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the Thomas family and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss.”

His former teammates, rivals and coaches are also among those paying tribute.

“I’m so sad. I’m heartbroken. I’m at a total loss. I’m sick. I’m crying. I’m just ... I don’t know,” said the Broncos’ wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni, who coached Thomas during the 2018 season.

“I’m blessed to have known you. RIP.”

Linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who played with Thomas for three seasons, simply said he was “heartbroken” as he shared a photo of the pair together.

“Love forever bro,” said wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

“So sad man,” said defensive end Shelby Harris.

Broadcaster Vic Lombardi said Thomas was “one of the kindest humans I’ve ever met”.

Heartbroken 💔 pic.twitter.com/e3EbU0aPeP

— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) December 10, 2021

Just got confirmation as well.

Demaryius Thomas has passed.

One of the kindest humans I've ever met. EVER.

— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) December 10, 2021

So sad man

— Shelby Harris (@ShelbyHarris93) December 10, 2021

Rest in peace, Bay Bay 💔 pic.twitter.com/1Qqa1fiYWo

— Georgia Tech Football (@GeorgiaTechFB) December 10, 2021

This piece about Demaryius Thomas’ incredible journey is one of the most affecting profiles I’ve ever read. It will make you marvel at his strength and humanity, and understand the life that many are mourning now. Rest in power. https://t.co/TwYAsNAgfJ

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) December 10, 2021

Mina Kimes, an NFL analyst with ESPN, shared a profile of Thomas, headlined The Long Way Home, which had made her “marvel at his strength and humanity”.

The story focused on Thomas’s struggle growing up with his mother in prison, serving a 24-year drug sentence, and how that ordeal drove him to provide for his broken family.

At one point the author noted the tattoo on one of his arms, which read: “Family first.”

“That’s all I’m playing for,” Thomas said.

Originally published as Demaryius Thomas dead: NFL star found deceased in his home at 33