On Monday, family, friends and former teammates of Demaryius Thomas gathered at Georgia Tech's McCamish Pavilion to share memories and celebrate the life of the late Demaryius Thomas.
A view of several Demaryius Thomas jerseys, including one from his NFL Draft night, during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
A Super Bowl 50 football next to Demaryius Thomas's Super Bowl 50 jersey during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
A view of a locker decorated with Demaryius Thomas' custom cleats and Super Bowl 50 mementoes during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
One of Demaryius Thomas' game balls in front of framed photos from his career during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
A view of the video board reflects off a framed jersey from Demaryius Thomas's broncos career during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
A view of the video board, playing a slideshow of photos from throughout Demaryius Thomas' life, during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
A view of a Georgia Tech jersey signed by Demaryius "Bay-Bay" Thomas during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
A view of No. 88 lapel pins during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
A relative of Demaryius Thomas takes photos of the stage and dais during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
A young relative of Demaryius Thomas takes photos of his career mementoes during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Wesley Woodyard and Eric Decker and their families arrive during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Katina Smith, mother of Demaryius Thomas, looks through his game ball collection during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Katina Smith, mother of Demaryius Thomas, hugs Eric Decker during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
John Elway and Mark Thewes during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Brandon McManus during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Courtland Sutton and Bradley Chubb arrive during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Justin Simmons during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Former Bronco Wesley Woodyard looks through Demaryius Thomas's career mementoes during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Brandon McManus during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Justin Simmons and Matt Paradis during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Brandon McManus talks with Bobby Thomas, Demaryius Thomas' father, during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Joe Ellis, Kareem Jackson and Garett Bolles during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Justin Simmons during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Kareem Jackson hugs Katina Smith, Demaryius Thomas' mother, during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Brittany Bowlen during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Kareem Jackson hugs former Bronco Wesley Woodyard during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Champ Bailey hugs Senior Vice President of Strategy Brittany Bowlen during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Courtland Sutton looks through a locker filled with Demaryius Thomas' Super Bowl 50 gear and other equipment during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Courtland Sutton presents a game ball to Katina Smith, Demaryius Thomas's mother, during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Courtland Sutton looks through Demaryius Thomas' game ball collection during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Courtland Sutton hugs Demaryius Thomas's mom Katina Smith during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Trevor Siemian and Brandon McManus during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Bubba Caldwell during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The Denver Broncos travel party during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The choir sings during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Eric Decker during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Kareem Jackson during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Katina Smith during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Members of a gospel choir sing during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Brittany Bowlen during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Guests watch a tribute video during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Britton Colquitt and Brandon McManus during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Joe Ellis during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Pastor Carlos Jones speaks during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Pastor Carlos Jones speaks during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Pastor Carlos Jones speaks during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Guests watch a tribute video during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Courtland Sutton during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Champ Bailey and Morgan Burnett during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Demaryius Thomas' high school coach, Paul Williams, speaks during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Katina Smith, mother of Demaryius Thomas, is seated with family and friends, including Von Miller's mother (right), during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Paul Williams speaks during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Former teammates Morgan Burnett, Champ Bailey and Eric Decker during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
A program for the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Former Broncos head coach John Fox applauds during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Demaryius Thomas' high school coach, Paul Williams, speaks during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Former Georgia Tech teammate Morgan Burnett speaks during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Morgan Burnett speaks during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Former Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Champ Bailey during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Former Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Former Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Former Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Former Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Eric Decker during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Former Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
The choir sings during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Former Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
A gospel choir performs during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Pastor Carlos Jones speaks during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The family of Demaryius Thomas during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Joe Ellis and David Bruton during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Joe Ellis and John Fox during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Kayvon Webster talks with Juwan Thompson during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Guests look at a locker displaying mementoes from Super Bowl 50 and other equipment during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Emmanuel Sanders and Aquib Talib during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Former Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Former Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib hugs Katina Smith, mother of Demaryius Thomas, during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Eric Decker takes a photo with a member of Demaryius Thomas's family during the Demaryius Thomas celebration of life service on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Katina Smith, mother of Demaryius Thomas, hugs Emmanuel Sanders during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Former Broncos head coach John Fox during the Celebration of Life for Demaryius Thomas at McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
ATLANTA — More than 45 members of the Broncos family joined hundreds of others to celebrate the life of the late Demaryius Thomas on Monday.
Thomas, who tragically passed away at the age of 33 on Dec. 9, was honored in a 90-minute celebration of life that featured video tributes to his on-field and off-field accomplishments and four tributes from several of Thomas' close friends.
Seven current Broncos were in attendance at Georgia Tech's McCamish Pavilion, as Courtland Sutton, Bradley Chubb, Kareem Jackson, Garett Bolles, Justin Simmons, Shelby Harris and Brandon McManus all attended the celebration. Many of Thomas' other former Broncos teammates were there to honor his life and legacy. Champ Bailey, Eric Decker, Aqib Talib, Emmanuel Sanders, Bubba Caldwell, David Bruton Jr., Trevor Siemian, Jordan Norwood, Cody Latimer, T.J. Ward, Tyler Polumbus, Kayvon Webster, Joel Dreessen, Britton Colquitt, Jordan Taylor, Wesley Woodyard, Louis Vasquez, Jacob Tamme, Brandon Stokley and Matt Paradis were among those at the ceremony.
Former Broncos head coaches John Fox and Gary Kubiak were also in attendance.
President/CEO Joe Ellis, President of Football Operations John Elway, Senior VP of Strategy Brittany Bowlen, VP of Football Administration Rich Hurtado, Chief Communication Officer Patrick Smyth and former Director of Sports Medicine Steve "Greek" Antonopulos were among the more than three dozen Broncos employees who made the trip to celebrate Thomas.
Over a series of videos that highlighted Thomas' life and career, his impact on his friends and family and his community work, the Broncos legend was honored for his impact as a player and person. Peyton Manning and Tim Tebow were among those who spoke to Thomas' impact in the video tribute.
"He was the type of person that healed wounds with his smile, with his love, by caring if he could be there for you," pastor Carlos Jones said. "He was going to be there for you. He was the type of person that was going to take his own and be a blessing to you with it. D.T. didn't just pass by, he stopped and we're all here today because in some place in our life, he stopped."
Bailey, Decker, former college teammate Morgan Burnett and high school coach Paul Williams all offered tributes to Thomas.
"These past 10 days have been filled with a lot of emotions: sadness, regret, disbelief, happiness, laughter," Decker said. "And so many memories that we can all reflect on that we have with him."
Those in attendance were also able to peruse reminders of Thomas' stellar career, including more than a dozen game balls, framed photos and works of art.
"I just hope that D.T. understands that I have tremendous love for him," Bailey said. "And I hope he felt it, because I definitely felt the love he had for me. I was one of those people that he stopped and paid attention to. I don't know why he came into my life, but I'm sure glad he did. I'm going to miss him so dearly. We had a lot planned. We were talking about doing so many things together, and it was never forced. He is my man. I'll tell you what, there's nobody else like him. He's the best teammate I've ever had."
