Demaryius Thomas wasn't defined by his talent, supreme as it was. He was defined by his smile. The NFL world was somber on Friday in the wake of Thomas' sudden passing Thursday night.
"I couldn’t believe that," Dan Campbell said Friday morning. "33 years old. It's always hard when somebody passes, but particularly when it’s somebody you’re very close with, a teammate or certainly a parent. But man, when you’re outside looking in at Demaryius, it’s one of those when Superman becomes mortal. It's hard. You just think somebody like him would live forever."
Thomas was a four-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champ with the Broncos who amassed 51 touchdowns and nearly 8,000 yards over his six-year prime. His legacy in the game is large. But it's fun-loving spirit for which he'll be remembered.
"He had some great years," Campbell. "Unbelievable guy. I didn't know him personally, but everybody just talks about the impact he had on so many lives. It’s too young. 33 is way too young. Thoughts and prayers for everybody. His family. But it's tough. I know that whole Denver Broncos community will be thinking about him."