A tribute to former Denver Broncos player Demayius Thomas on display outside of Empower Field at Mile High before the game against the Detroit Lions. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Broncos honor late Demaryius Thomas on first play of game

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 12/12/21

The Denver Broncos and the wider NFL world were thrown for a loop Thursday evening when news broke that former star wide receiver Demaryius Thomas passed away.

A four-time Pro Bowler during his nine seasons with the Broncos, Thomas passed away at the young age of 33 after suffering a seizure. The tragedy stems from a car accident he was involved in a few years prior.

Taking on the Detroit Lions at home on Sunday, the Broncos paid homage to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of the game. That included taking the field with just 10 men on the field, void of an X wide receiver, the position that Thomas played during his time in Mile High City.

8️⃣8️⃣ #LLDT pic.twitter.com/Y2U4MgUpQ1
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 12, 2021

What an absolutely tremendous moment inside Empower Field at Mile High. Officials ended up calling Denver for a delay of game. However, the Lions did their part in paying respects to Thomas by declining the penalty.

It has to be hard for Broncos players to even take to the field mere days after news of Thomas’ tragic passing caught the entire sports world off guard.

Thomas is considered an all-time great in Denver. He helped the team win Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. All said, Thomas registered 665 catches for 9,055 yards and 60 touchdowns in Denver. He ranks third in franchise history in receptions, second in receiving yards and second in touchdown catches.

More importantly, Thomas meant a whole lot to the community. He did so much good during his time in Denver. That’s one of the reasons news of his tragic passing hit the NFL community so hard.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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