NFL: A Mile High Salute for DT

As a Broncos fan growing up, I can remember many players past and present. Not many come to mind more than Demaryius Thomas. I wanted to wait to write this article until after some of the emotions had passed and to give myself time to truly reflect on the great career DT had as a Bronco.

As a 22-year-old fan, I can clearly remember the 2010 draft when Denver picked Demaryius Thomas 22nd in the draft. I would have been 13 at the time. If someone were to guess I was overjoyed at that time they would be completely wrong because I can still remember questioning why Denver took DT over Dez Bryant. It did not take long for Thomas to prove why he was worthy of this selection.

As Thomas played at Denver, he continued to impress me and even from a nonbiased standpoint I’ve always felt like he was one of the more underrated top receivers in the NFL. He performed great for his career at Denver and most of the time had an average to below average QB. It is easy to say that Keenum, Siemian, Lynch, and even the last year of Manning as they won super bowl 50 were years full of subpar QB play in the hile high city. Through all of this and battling nagging injuries, DT still dominated his opponents making play after play.

The Numbers

Demaryius Thomas ended his career in Denver with 655 receptions for 9,055 yards and 60 TDs. This is enough to be second all-time in receiving yards in Denver’s history, second in receiving touchdowns, second in targets, and third in receptions. Along with this DT finished up with 5 1,000 yard seasons, 2 Super Bowl appearances, and 4 Pro Bowl selections. Demaryius Thomas will be a Ring of Famer in Denver one day and there is no one more deserving of this honor.

Top 3 Plays of DT’s Career

3. Touchdown Catch in Super Bowl 48.

While Denver did get blown out by Seattle in Super Bowl 48, it was the first time I was old enough to actually watch the Broncos on the worlds largest stage and DT did not disappoint. He set the record for most receptions in a super bowl with 13 receptions. On this particular catch, DT was being tackled before the ball arrived and still made the play. Something Broncos fans grew accustomed to seeing DT do.

2. One-Handed TD Catch vs the Chiefs in 2012

This play is high on my list for two reasons. One is it was just an amazing grab. Two I’m a Broncos fan that happens to live in the Kansas City area so any time Denver beats KC I get excited.

1. Overtime TD vs Pittsburgh in 2011 Wild Card game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMVnLsODqqg&t=21s

In my eyes, this play is the most iconic play of Demaryius Thomas career, even if it was early. It showed his hands and route running ability, followed by his vicious stiff arm, and his speed as he outran the Pittsburgh defense 80 yards for a playoff victory.

Thank you, Demaryius Thomas, for the way you represented the Denver Broncos. I wish you could have had the opportunity to finish your career in Denver and I’m sorry for how it ended. You carried yourself and the team well while you were there though and I know you still will make some great plays to finish out your career. Keep battling that Achilles injury and I look forward to watching you carry out your career wherever it may be. Any true Broncos fan will wish you nothing but the best as you finish up your amazing career and move on to life after football.

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