Demaryius Thomas has been fondly remembered as a man of immense talent and character
Tributes made in honor of the late Demaryius Thomas indicate that the receiver’s talent was surpassed only by his character.
That says a lot about the man Thomas was, considering the fact that he was one of the most prolific receivers of the 2010s.
The football community has united in remembrance of Thomas, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 33.
Best known for his endeavors with the Denver Broncos, Thomas spent the final year of his ten-year NFL tenure with the New York Jets. Though he played only 11 games in green, it’s obvious that Thomas left an impact on the group. The team itself unveiled a memorial on its official social accounts on Friday morning, depicting Thomas in the No. 18 jersey.
“A brilliant career on the field with a light that always shone brighter off of it,” the statement reads. “Gone way too soon. But your impact remains. Rest In Peace, Demaryius.”
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 10, 2021
Jets old and new expressed their support for Thomas and his family, sharing their favorite memories made with the receiver. Former opponent Darrelle Revis chose not to focus on the matchups they staged on the field but a fleeting, if not warm, moment they shared when united in green.
“We spoke back in 2019 and you told me how excited you were to be a NY Jet. You gave my son a high five during pre-game,” Revis wrote. “Appreciate you making his day. You were a great player. Prayers to you and your family. Rest Easy!”
I am devastated right now. We spoke back in 2019 and you told me how excited you were to be a NY Jet. You gave my son a high five during pre-game. Appreciate you making his day. You were a great player. Prayers to you and your family. Rest Easy! @DemaryiusThomas pic.twitter.com/0EQQZndA0p
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) December 10, 2021
Thomas’ Gang Green teammates likewise paid their respects. Marcus Maye and fellow receiver Braxton Berrios took to Twitter while current Seattle safety Jamal Adams shared photos of the pair adorned in Jets gear on his Instagram story.
This one hurts. DT was one of the most genuine, kind-hearted people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Taken way too soon..Rest easy DT ♥️💫
— Braxton Berrios (@HNYNUT_BERRIOS) December 10, 2021
I thank you for all our talks!! You touched so many people! You will be missed by us all. 🕊🙏🏾🖤🤞🏾 pic.twitter.com/5rj65tcUeZ
— Marcus Maye (@alldayMAYE) December 10, 2021
Though Thomas never played under him, Jets head coach Robert Saleh acknowledged his passing during his Friday statements. While Saleh’s Seahawks got the best of Thomas and the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII (when Saleh served as Seattle’s defensive quality control coach), they did so at the price of allowing him to earn 13 receptions, which was a record for the championship game at the time.
“I’ve heard he’s an unbelievable pro. They produced a lot when he was at Denver,” Saleh said, per notes from the Jets. “A lot of wars in Seattle too, a lot of playing those guys. Just a shame. I’m sure there are a lot of hurt hearts in the football community for sure.”
The Jets return to action on Sunday afternoon against the New Orleans Saints (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
