Demaryius Thomas
A Denver Broncos star with a megawatt smile and breathtaking speed, his climb from small-town Georgia to Super Bowl champion inspired teammates and fans alike.
1987–2021 (age 34)·American football player·Birthday: December 25·Millennials
Biography
Demaryius Thomas's story was one of radiant talent emerging from profound hardship. Growing up in Montrose, Georgia, he was raised primarily by his grandmother after his mother and grandmother were incarcerated during his childhood. Football became his outlet and his ascent at Georgia Tech, where he was a third-team All-American, was a testament to his focus. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2010, 'DT' developed into one of the NFL's most feared wide receivers. A physical specimen at 6'3" with surprising grace, he was quarterback Peyton Manning's most trusted deep threat during a historic offensive era. His performance in Super Bowl 50, including a key two-point conversion, helped secure the championship. His sudden death in 2021 at age 33 sent shockwaves through the sports world, a tragic end to a career marked by quiet perseverance and explosive play.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Demaryius was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Demaryius Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Demaryius's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2021Died at 34
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
Key Achievements
- Won Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos, catching a crucial two-point conversion in the game.
- Selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls from 2012 to 2016.
- Recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in six straight seasons (2012-2017).
- Caught a game-winning 80-yard touchdown pass in overtime of a 2012 playoff game, known as the 'Mile High Miracle'.
Did You Know?
He ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine despite weighing 224 pounds.
His mother and grandmother were released from prison in 2015 and 2016, respectively, and he was able to reunite with them.
He was a talented track athlete in high school, competing in the 100-meter dash and triple jump.
“I just want to be remembered as a guy who worked hard, did things the right way, and made his teammates better.”
