The Lead
There may be no better way to kick off a week honoring Demaryius Thomas than by volunteering in a place where he spent so much of his time.
Ahead of the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 reunion and the induction of the late Demaryius Thomas into the Ring of Fame this weekend, Broncos alumni spent time in the community in his honor during an '88 Day' volunteer event.
Gathering at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls club, where Thomas used to frequently volunteer, several Broncos alumni — including Thomas' former teammate and Super Bowl 50 champion David Bruton — helped put on an afternoon of events for the kids. Bruton and Co. played sports and video games, led flag football stations and found ways to honor one of their own.
"The time and energy that he spent here to help the kids, grow with the kids, and motivate them to be successful — it's amazing that we're out here and being able to commemorate D.T.," Bruton said.
Thomas was a Super Bowl 50 champion, five-time Pro Bowler and two-time Associated Press All-Pro selection who spent nine years with the Broncos from 2010-18. He ranks second in franchise history in career receiving yards (9,055) and receiving touchdowns (60) while totaling the third-most receptions (665) all-time by a Bronco.
Thomas was known for being an outstanding wide receiver in the league, but the impact he left goes far beyond the field.
"He was just a good, free spirit in the locker room," Bruton said. "Went about his business and worked hard. But also worked hard in the community. That's something you'll always remember, right? His legacy was beyond what he did between the lines. His legacy was definitely what he did in the state of Colorado."
The Broncos are set to host Alumni Weekend and celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Super Bowl 50 victory in their Week 7 game against the Giants this weekend. The reunion also marks the celebration of their teammate as he gets inducted into the Ring of Fame.
"I think it makes perfect sense," Bruton said. "From all of the receiving records to the impact he made in the community, what better time than with us as the Super Bowl 50 team with him, to be there to honor him. I don't know if you could've written a better story, aside from him being here."
