Middle Georgia native, Georgia Tech and NFL star Demaryius Thomas dies at age 33
Former Georgia Tech star and Middle Georgia native Demaryius “Bay Bay” Thomas died Thursday night at the age of 33 in Roswell.
According to police, Thomas was found dead at his home. Authorities indicated that Thomas’ death may have resulted from a medical issue. LaTonya Bonseigneur, Thomas’ first cousin who grew up with him, told The Associated Press the family believes he died from a seizure.
“He had been suffering from seizures for over a year, and we believe he had a seizure when he was showering,” Bonseigneur said early Friday. “We’re not sure when he died. We just spoke with him yesterday.”
Thomas starred at West Laurens High School, where he racked up multiple region and state honors. He finished his senior season with more than 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns.
After graduating, Thomas accepted a football scholarship from Georgia Tech, where he played for three seasons.
From 2007-2009, Thomas totaled 113 receptions, 2,135 yards and 13 touchdowns. He helped lead the Yellow Jackets to back-to-back ACC Coastal division titles.
He was named to the All-American third team and to the all-ACC team in 2009 before declaring for the NFL Draft.
“I speak on behalf of the entire Georgia Tech football family when I say that we are heartbroken by the news of Demaryius’s passing,” Georgia Tech head coach Geoff Collins said. “Bay Bay was truly one of my favorite people. I will miss him terribly.“
10 year NFL career
Thomas was selected with the 22nd pick in the 2010 draft by the Denver Broncos where he played 8 and half of his first 10 seasons in the NFL.
He finished his career with 724 receptions, 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns, among the all-time leaders in all three categories in Broncos’ history. He owns 16 franchise records, including the most receiving yards in a single season (1,619).
During his career, Thomas was twice an All-Pro selection and a four-time Pro Bowler. In 2011, he led the Broncos to a playoff win over the Steelers with 4 catches for 204 yards including the game-winning touchdown from Tim Tebow.
Thomas played in a pair of Super Bowls as a member of the Broncos losing the first in 2013. In 2015, he won a Super Bowl with Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Manning released a statement on Friday.
“DT was a better person than he was a player, and he was a Hall of Fame player,” Manning said. “That tells you how good of a person he was. He treated my kids like they were his own. ... Absolutely devastated.”
The Broncos also released a statement Friday.
“We are devastated and completely heartbroken by the sudden, tragic passing of Demaryius Thomas,” the Broncos said. “D.T. was beloved by our entire organization, his teammates and coaches, and our fans.”
Players, former teammates and others shared their tributes and goodbyes to Thomas on Twitter.
This story was originally published December 10, 2021 at 10:38 AM.