Demaryius remembered in Denver
DENVER — The Broncos honored the memory of receiver Demaryius Thomas with tributes, decals and a 38-10 walloping of the Lions on Sunday.
After receiving the opening kickoff, the Broncos took the field with just 10 men in honor of Thomas. Starting wide receiver Courtland Sutton remained on the sideline, down on one knee. Several offensive linemen pointed at the sky, while Lions players clapped in support.
Amid the roars of the crowd, the Lions declined the delay-of-game penalty.
Before that, several Broncos arrived at the stadium wearing No. 88 jerseys, and kicker Brandon McManus wore custom cleats featuring Thomas’ famous mile-wide smile. The receiver, who last played in 2019, died at his Roswell, Georgia, home Thursday at age 33.
About an hour before kickoff, local artist Armando Silva delivered a portrait of Thomas that he painted in the parking lot next to the Broncos’ locker room.
A memorial outside the stadium drew throngs of mourners, including former Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and his sons.
The team held a pregame moment of silence followed by a video tribute featuring Thomas’ 80-yard touchdown catch from Tim Tebow on the first play of overtime against the Steelers in a playoff game Jan. 8, 2012.
Midway through the fourth quarter, safety Justin Simmons picked off a pass and immediately darted to a blue circle on Denver’s sideline and placed the ball in the middle of “88” stenciled in white paint as teammates respectfully gathered around in a subdued celebration.
Thomas played in 10 seasons and finished with 724 catches for 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns.