Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas had Stage 2 of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) when he died at age 33 at his home in Georgia last year, a University of Boston study has revealed.
The Fulton County, Ga. coroner’s office has not given a cause of death yet, but Thomas’ family said last December that they believed the former NFL star died of a seizure.
Thomas began suffering seizures after a serious car accident in 2019. Those seizures combined with the effects of CTE hit Thomas hard.
“Those closest to him said his behavior became increasingly erratic in the last year of his life, which was marked by the memory loss, paranoia and isolation that are hallmarks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head hits,” Ken Belson wrote in an article for The New York Times.
Thomas was a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro and a Super Bowl champion with the Broncos. He earned nearly $75 million through 10 seasons in the NFL before announcing his retirement last summer.
After spending seven and a half seasons in Denver, Thomas spent time with the Houston Texans, New England Patriots and New York Jets at the end of his career. His accomplished career was highlighted by a Super Bowl win, 9,763 receiving yards and 63 touchdown catches.
Off the field, Thomas’ friends and family saw the price the receiver paid for on-field success.
“He was just so young, and it was horrible to see him struggle,” said Thomas’ mother, Katina Smith, according to Tom Schad of USA TODAY. “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 Broncos honored Thomas during their 38-10 win over the Detroit Lions last season. Former teammates Emmanuel Sanders and Von Miller also honored Thomas during the playoffs, and retired quarterback Peyton Manning has announced two scholarships in honor of Thomas.
“[We’re] trying to keep Demaryius’ legacy alive, but also paying it forward, which is what he was all about,” Manning said in May.
Thomas ranks second on Denver’s all-time receiving list in yards (9,055) and touchdowns (60).
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