There may even be a second of silence previous to the Broncos’ dwelling recreation Sunday in opposition to Detroit Lions as tribute to the receiver, who handed away Thursday.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Well being causes had prevented Demaryius Thomas from attending a ceremony in his honor as a retired Denver Bronco throughout per week 3 recreation in opposition to the New York Jets in late September.
With nice disappointment but additionally large respect and appreciation to his legacy as an incredible participant and particular person, the Broncos can pay posthumous tribute to Thomas this Sunday when Denver performs the Detroit Lions at Empower Area at Mile Excessive.
Thomas was discovered lifeless by cops Thursday night at his Roswell, Ga., dwelling, based on the police report. He was 16 days away from turning 34 years previous on Christmas Day.
RELATED: Demaryius Thomas was discovered unconscious in his toilet, police report says
To honor considered one of their prime two receivers in workforce historical past, the Broncos may have their gamers put on his No. 88 on a decal that will probably be positioned on the again of their helmets. There may even be a video tribute and second of silence previous to the sport.
>> Video beneath: Remembering former Broncos participant, Demaryius Thomas
RELATED: Former Broncos coaches McDaniels, Tolbert share recollections of Demaryius Thomas
“It is a powerful day for all us,” stated left deal with Garett Bolles, who was a Thomas teammate in 2017 and half of 2018. “Particularly for me and my household. I beloved D.T. like a brother. He was one of many first individuals who reached out to me once I received drafted. Nonetheless have his message that I left on my cellphone and I performed it yesterday. My ideas and prayers exit to him and all people that was part of his life.”
Broncos head coach Vic Fangio got here alongside the 12 months after Thomas was traded to the Houston Texans halfway via the 2018 season however he listened to the ten gamers who had been his teammates, coaches who coached him and greater than 40 workers who had been round when D.T.’s smiling face would stroll via workforce headquarters every day.
“Seeing and feeling their response, and damage, tells me what a particular participant D.T. was,” Fangio stated. “I by no means had the chance to satisfy him however a particular participant and particular particular person is clear by their responses.”
Fangio stated workforce president and CEO Joe Ellis addressed the workforce Friday about what Thomas meant to the group and working backs coach Curtis Modkins, who helped recruit D.T. to Georgia Tech, additionally spoke.
Boone, Locke in COVID protocols
Simply when there was hope the workforce had weathered its virus disaster, alongside got here the truth that no group is outwardly ever previous it. Backup working Mike Boone and particular groups standout P.J. Locke had been each positioned within the COVID-19 protocols Friday. In the event that they examined optimistic, neither will probably be out there to play Sunday in opposition to the Lions they usually might properly miss the next week’s recreation in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Fangio sounded optimistic working again Melvin Gordon III (hip), outdoors linebacker Bradley Chubb (shoulder) and defensive lineman Shelby Harris (ankle) would play regardless that all three will probably be listed as questionable on the ultimate harm report.
Gordon missed final Sunday’s recreation at Kansas Metropolis however he said optimism this week about enjoying and with Boone sidelined, it seems Gordon will return to sharing the ball-carrying workload with rookie Javonte Williams.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports activities
