Demaryius Thomas death, explained: What to know about former Broncos star's 2021 tragic passing

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Demaryius Thomas death, explained: What to know about former Broncos star's 2021 tragic passing

Daniel Mader · The Sporting News

Mon, Oct 20, 2025 ·

14 min read

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Demaryius Thomas death, explained: What to know about former Broncos star's 2021 tragic passing originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

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When did Demaryius Thomas die?
How old was Demaryius Thomas when he died?
Demaryius Thomas cause of death
Did Demaryius Thomas have epilepsy?
Did Demaryius Thomas have CTE?
Demaryius Thomas death reactions
When did Demaryius Thomas retire?
Demaryius Thomas Broncos Ring of Fame

In December 2021, former NFL wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was found unconscious at his home in Georgia and later pronounced dead at age 33.

Thomas, who played in the NFL from 2010-19, was posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after his brain was donated to Boston University for examination.

A former member of the Denver Broncos , Houston Texans , New England Patriots , and New York Jets , Thomas had officially announced his retirement from the NFL about six months before his death.

Here's what to know about Thomas' death in 2021 and how he was honored by the Broncos, former teammates, and others.

When did Demaryius Thomas die?

Death date:Dec. 9, 2021

Demaryius Thomas died on Dec. 9, 2021. He was found unconscious at his home in Roswell, Georgia, with police attributing his death to medical complications.

How old was Demaryius Thomas when he died?

Demaryius Thomas was 33 years old at the time of his death. Born on Christmas Day in 1987, he was weeks away from his 34th birthday.

Demaryius Thomas cause of death

Thomas died due to "complications from a seizure disorder," an autopsy report by the Fulton County Medical Examiner stated, per The Athletic. Thomas' parents also said on "Good Morning America" that his death was caused by a seizure disorder that led to cardiac arrest.

Demaryius Thomas autopsy report

On Aug. 5, 2022, ESPN reported that Thomas' autopsy report attributed his death to "complications of a seizure disorder." The autopsy was performed the day after Thomas' death in December 2021.

According to ESPN , the medical examiner's office had released a statement in December 2021 that said "the cause and manner of death are pending the completion of laboratory studies and microscopic tissue samples." In the final report, the medical examiner then said the manner of Thomas' death "remains undetermined" and it was "unknown if the seizure disorder was the result of natural causes or due to impacts to Thomas' head during his NFL career."

Researchers at Boston University also later found that Thomas had suffered from CTE, but added that CTE did not cause his death. The autopsy report also said the BU researchers did not believe Thomas' CTE caused the seizure disorder.

According to the New York Times , doctors said they believed Thomas's seizures were "brought on by a 2019 car crash in which his head cracked the windshield and a hydraulic rescue tool was needed to remove him from the vehicle." Dr. Ann McKee, a neuropathologist who examined Thomas's brain, said it would have been "highly unlikely" for CTE to have caused his seizures, and that Thomas most likely "died of suffocation after a seizure."

Did Demaryius Thomas have epilepsy?

It is unknown if Thomas had ever been diagnosed with epilepsy. However, it is known that he experiences seizures for around a year leading up to his death.

Thomas' autopsy report attributed his death to "complications of a seizure disorder." Additionally, family and friends of Thomas had publicly stated that he had dealt with seizures for some time.

LaTonya Bonseigneur, Thomas' first cousin, spoke to The Associated Press following the former wide receiver's death.

"He had been suffering from seizures for over a year, and we believe he had a seizure when he was showering," Bonseigneur told the AP. "He was alone and a friend couldn't get hold of him, so he called his driver, who has a key because of these seizures, and he went into his home and found him in the shower."

The Epilepsy Foundation, which raises epilepsy awareness and promotes epilepsy-related laws and research, released a statement on Thomas' death in December 2021.

"From what has been shared in the media, we understand that Demaryius's family believes he passed away from a seizure while in the shower. According to what family members have shared in news reports, Demaryius had been experiencing seizures for more than a year," the statement read . "Since we don't have any details, other than what has been reported by members of the media, we cannot comment on Demaryius specific situation. However, this reminds all of us in the epilepsy community why it is important to know about the risks associated with seizures and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)."

"We honor and remember people, like Demaryius, who leave us far too early. The Epilepsy Foundation is committed to keep fighting until not another life is lost to epilepsy and seizures. We offer our condolences to Demaryius' family, friends, and fans at this time. If you have lost a loved one due to a seizure or epilepsy, know that you are not alone. "

Did Demaryius Thomas have CTE?

Thomas' brain was donated to Boston University for examination. The Concussion Legacy Foundation announced on July 5, 2022, that researchers had found that the former NFL star's brain tested positive for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a neurodegenerative condition associated with repeated head trauma that can only be posthumously diagnosed. CTE does not cause death.

While Thomas' brain did test positive for CTE, the condition was not considered to be the cause for his seizure disorder or death. Per the New York Times, doctors said they "believed Thomas's seizures were brought on by a 2019 car crash in which his head cracked the windshield."

The Concussion Legacy Foundation release about Thomas' CTE diagnosis included statements from Thomas' mother, Katina Smith, as well as the doctors who conducted the research.

"Once I became aware of CTE and began to familiarize myself with the symptoms, I noticed that Demaryius was isolating himself and I saw other changes in him," Katina Smith, Demaryius' mother, said in the statement. "He was just so young, and it was horrible to see him struggle. His father and I hope all families learn the risks of playing football. We don't want other parents to have to lose their children like we did."

The announcement also noted that Thomas "developed depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and trouble with his memory" in the years leading up to his death. It added that "although late-stage CTE can be associated with epilepsy, it is far more likely that [Thomas] developed post-traumatic epilepsy after a motor vehicle accident and fall he experienced several years before his death."

Per the Concussion Legacy Foundation, Thomas became one of "more than 300" former NFL players who had been diagnosed with CTE.

According to ESPN , Thomas' mother also said he had struggled with common conditions associated with CTE, such as memory loss and paranoia.

"His mood would change, and he would also isolate himself sometimes," Katina Stuckey Smith, told ABC News, per ESPN . "He was, like, 'Mom, I don't know what's going on with my body. You know, I gotta get myself together,' and he said, 'I don't feel like myself anymore.'"

What is Stage 2 CTE?

Thomas was diagnosed with Stage 2 CTE. There are four stages of CTE, with a higher number indicating higher severity; according to the Concussion Legacy Foundation's statement , Stage 2 CTE is" associated with progressive behavior, cognitive and mood abnormalities."

Stage 2 CTE is considered more moderate than, Stage 4, the most severe stage of CTE, which is usually associated with dementia.

Demaryius Thomas death reactions

The Denver Broncos , with whom Thomas spent most of his NFL career, released a statement following his death in December 2021.

"We are devastated and completely heartbroken," a statement from the Broncos read, in part. "Demaryius' humility, warmth, kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him."

Shortly after Thomas' death, on Dec. 12, 2021, the Broncos honored the former wide receiver in various ways in their game against the Detroit Lions . Thomas' former No. 88 was put in a lot of places throughout the team's stadium, and after a moment of silence and video tribute, the Broncos lined up for the game's first play from scrimmage with 10 players in formation instead of 11.

Denver was wearing No. 88 decals on its helmet for the game. The Lions declined a delay of game penalty as the Broncos honored Thomas.

"A special moment," then-Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater said at the time, per ESPN. "To be a part of something like that ... it was great to go out there with 10 guys and understand he's out there with us."

Also during that game, safety Justin Simmons placed the ball between the 8s on No. 88 painted on the field following an interception, and Denver's final 14-play touchdown drive went 88 yards.

"He's always going to be there [for us]," Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick said at the time, per ESPN . "I think he's going to be there more in life ... yeah, he probably was out there with us."

Plenty of NFL figures, including Thomas' former teammates, posted on social media following his death, honoring him.

Tim Tebow , a former Broncos quarterback for Thomas, wrote that he "woke up and saw the really devastating news about my teammate and friend."

"So many are going to remember him for his athletic ability," Tebow wrote. "I'll be remembering him for his kindness, his smile that would light up a room, and the love he had for those in his life."

Former Broncos stars Von Miller and Peyton Manning also spoke about Thomas' death at the time.

In a statement through the Broncos' Chief Communications Officer, Manning said at the time that he was "devasted" by Thomas' death.

Miller appeared in a Broncos video honoring Thomas in 2023, and he said after a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams that he was playing "for D.T." Thomas' mother told The Athletic in 2022 that Thomas and Miller were "like brothers," a story that detailed their relationship and close friendship. Miller's Instagram profile picture is still a photo of Demaryius Thomas.

Here are some more NFL players' tributes to Thomas at the time of his death:

When did Demaryius Thomas retire?

In June 2021, Demaryius Thomas announced he was retiring from the NFL at 33 years old as a member of the Broncos.

Denver released a video including an interview with Thomas.

"It was a tough decision, a real tough decision," Thomas said at the time. "Always as a kid or always when I did something, it was always [giving] my best to go and go and go. And football was my go. Every year I tried to get better and better, and I knew I was aging, of course. It was something tough, but I'm grateful I did 10, 11 years. I'm so grateful for that and now I can move on. I'm happy, I'm healthy. And now I can try to find my next itch."

"D.T. was the complete package as a wide receiver, growing into one of the very best at his position,'' Broncos president of football operations John Elway said in a statement at the time, per ESPN . "The combination of his size, speed, strength and athleticism was unmatched. Demaryius' remarkable consistency and production were instrumental in our offense setting historic records and our team winning a lot of games, including two AFC Championships and Super Bowl 50.''

Demaryius Thomas Broncos Ring of Fame

On May 27, 2025, the Broncos announced that Thomas would be posthumously inducted into their Ring of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He was officially inducted on October 19, 2025, during the team's matchup against the New York Giants .

Thomas became the Broncos' 38th Ring of Famer, and 13th first-ballot selection.

"Demaryius Thomas' election to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame — in his first year of eligibility — is a testament to the indelible mark he left on our organization and community," Broncos owners Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner said in a statement of Thomas' induction. "One of the most beloved players and greatest wide receivers in franchise history, Demaryius inspired our fans with breathtaking athleticism, record-setting performances and a joyful, infectious spirit.

While we wish 'D.T.' was with us to celebrate this special moment, we look forward to honoring Demaryius alongside his Super Bowl 50 teammates during an unforgettable Alumni Weekend."

The Broncos unveiled Thomas' pillar, with includes a statue of his face, his Broncos number and a description of his accomplishments.

Thomas' pillar was put right next to Peyton Manning's. The wide receiver's former star quarterback got emotional talking about the moment and having his name next to Thomas'.

Manning and Emmanuel Sanders wore No. 88 jerseys onto the field for the Ring of Fame ceremony.

The day of the ceremonies wound up being a miraculous 33-32 win for the Broncos that saw them rip off all 33 of their points in the fourth quarter. Postgame, wide receiver Courtland Sutton wore Thomas' No. 88 jersey to his press conference, saying the team didn't want the "dark cloud" of a loss to hang over the day honoring Thomas.

Demaryius Thomas NFL stats

Thomas, a Super Bowl 50 champion and a five-time Pro Bowler, had five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in Denver from 2012-2016. He was a key receiver during Peyton Manning's time with the Broncos,

Over his career, Thomas caught 724 passes for 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns.

Here's a look at Thomas' NFL career stats:

Season	Team(s)	Games	Receptions	Yards	TDs
2010	Broncos	10	22	283	2
2011	Broncos	11	32	551	4
2012	Broncos	16	94	1,434	10
2013	Broncos	16	92	1,430	14
2014	Broncos	16	111	1,619	11
2015	Broncos	16	105	1,304	6
2016	Broncos	16	90	1,083	5
2017	Broncos	16	83	949	5
2018	Broncos, Texans	15	59	677	5
2019	Jets	11	36	433	1
Career:	—	143	724	9,763	63

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