NFL news: Denver Broncos’ classy tribute to Demaryius Thomas, Denver vs Detroit Lions final result
Emotions were running high in the Mile High City as the Denver Broncos produced a touching tribute for Demaryius Thomas who died last week.
You would have been hard pressed to find a dry eye in the stands at Empower Field in Denver, as the Broncos put on multiple touching tributes in honour of former star Demaryius Thomas, who died last week aged 33.
Thomas was one of the top wide receivers in the NFL for the best past of a decade and retired as a Bronco in June after a glittering career which included a Super Bowl win in 2015.
Watch Live NFL every Monday, Tuesday and Friday with ESPN on Kayo. 6 live games every week + every game of the Post-Season. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >
He was found dead in his home on Friday (AEDT), with Thomas’ relatives claiming he died from a seizure.
Thomas, who spent nine out of his ten years in the NFL with the Broncos, was a standout for the Colorado team and finished his career with 9,055 yards to his name, the second-highest ever for a Bronco.
Denver produced a number of tributes fitting for one of their best-ever players, but arguably their classiest one came at the start of their match against the Detroit Lions.
The Broncos had the ball for the first snap of the game, but instead of lining up with the normal number of 11 players on the field, they had 10 players and left the spot where Thomas would have typically stood before a play vacant.
Players from both teams as well as the tens of thousands in attendance applauded in honour of Thomas.
Denver also let the clock run down which led to a delay-of-game penalty in Detroit’s favour, but they opted to decline it.
Social media was touched by the Broncos’ gesture for Thomas, as the league mourned the loss of a well-liked figure.
The game ended in a 38-10 victory for Denver, improving their record to 7-6 but keeps them in third spot in the AFC West division.
As for Detroit, it was the 11th loss in their season as it looks increasingly likely to end up with the first draft pick in the 2022 NFL draft.
Originally published as ‘Chills’: Denver Broncos’ classy tribute to dead star Demaryius Thomas
