Peyton Manning on Demaryius Thomas' Death: WR an Even Better Person Than Player
Dec 10, 2021
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, left, congratulates wide receiver Demaryius Thomas after Thomas scored a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter of an AFC divisional playoff NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
After news of Demaryius Thomas' death on Thursday night, tributes from across the NFL have been pouring in for the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver.
Peyton Manning, who spent four seasons playing alongside Thomas with the Denver Broncos, released a statement through the team's public relations staff.
"D.T. was a better person than he was a player, and he was a Hall of Fame player," said Manning. "That tells you how good of a person he was. He treated my kids like they were his own. He was there for every teammate’s charity event."
Per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, police in Roswell, Georgia confirmed that Thomas was found dead in his home on Thursday evening.
An official cause of death has yet to be announced, but police said preliminary information indicates it was related to a medical issue.
LaTonya Bonseigneur, Thomas' first cousin, told Paul Newberry of the Associated Press that the family believes his death is related to seizures he had been having for more than one year:
He had been suffering from seizures for over a year, and we believe he had a seizure when he was showering. He was alone and a friend couldn’t get hold of him, so he called his driver, who has a key because of these seizures, and he went into his home and found him in the shower.
Denver selected Thomas with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft. He played 10 seasons in the league with the Broncos (2010-18), Houston Texans (2018) and New York Jets (2019).
Thomas played in two Super Bowls with the Broncos, winning one in 2015.
The New England Patriots signed Thomas before the 2019 season, but he was traded to the Jets before appearing in a game with the team.
Thomas was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL from the previous decade. He had five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2012 to 2016. The Georgia Tech alum set the Broncos' single-season franchise record with 1,619 yards in 2014.
Former Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas Dies at Age 33
Dec 10, 2021
New England Patriots wide receiver Demaryius Thomas speaks to the media following an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Former NFL wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has died at age 33, a family member told Mike Klis of 9News in Denver on Thursday.
According to the Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala, police in Roswell, Georgia, confirmed Thomas was found dead at his home on Thursday evening and that "preliminary information" suggested "his death stemmed from a medical issue."
Thomas' first cousin LaTonya Bonseigneur told the Associated Press that the family believes he died after having a seizure in the shower.
“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.”
“He was alone and a friend couldn’t get hold of him, so he called his driver, who has a key because of these seizures, and he went into his home and found him in the shower," Bonseigneur added.
Thomas was a member of four NFL teams but is best known for his time with the Denver Broncos. He was selected 22nd overall out of Georgia Tech in the 2010 NFL draft. In his sophomore season, he caught the game-winning 80-yard touchdown pass from former Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow in the team's AFC Wild Card Round win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Thomas went on to earn selections to five straight Pro Bowls from 2012 to '16. He recorded 90 or more receptions and over 1,000 receiving yards in each of those seasons. He caught a career-high 14 touchdown passes in 2013 and the following year he notched career bests of 111 catches and 1,619 yards.
During that time, Thomas became a favorite target of Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. The duo helped lead the Broncos to victory in Super Bowl 50, the team's first title since 1998.
Thomas was traded to the Houston Texans midway through the 2018 season. He was briefly signed to the New England Patriots before playing his final NFL season with the New York Jets in 2019.
Thomas officially announced his retirement from the NFL on June 28, 2021.
He finished his career with 724 receptions, 9,763 receiving yards and 63 touchdowns.
"Demaryius had an incredible NFL career and was such a big part of everything we accomplished during his many years as a Bronco. ... Demaryius’ remarkable consistency and production were instrumental in our offense setting historic records and our team winning a lot of games, including two AFC Championships and Super Bowl 50," Broncos president of football operations John Elway said at the time of his retirement.
Several Broncos players, including some of Thomas' former teammates, took to social media to express their grief after the news broke.
Just absolutely sick. Shaking. Nauseous. Can’t be real. Love you 88. Absolutely one of the kindest, genuine, humble, generous Superstars I have ever had the luxury of calling friend. Hug someone you love
Thomas would've turned 34 years old on Christmas Day.
Broncos' Melvin Gordon Doesn't Feel Wanted by Fans Amid Javonte Williams' Emergence
Dec 9, 2021
DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 28: Melvin Gordon #25 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball as Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers defends in the second half of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Melvin Gordon III isn't feeling the love in Denver.
The veteran running back missed Week 13's loss against the Kansas City Chiefs with hip and shoulder injuries, and believes fans are ready for Javonte Williams to be the feature back after he rushed 23 times for 102 yards and caught six passes for 76 yards and a score:
Broncos RB Melvin Gordon III has apparently heard how much some want Javonte Williams to get more carries. Thursday Gordon, when asked about future: "I don't think many people want me here, as far as the fans, I see a lot of stuff. I understand. I get it. But I love it here.''
Gordon, 28, has been pretty darn solid in his own right, rushing for 605 yards and five touchdowns on the season while catching 22 passes for 166 yards and another two scores.
But after Williams was drafted in the second round of the 2021 draft, there have been questions about when he would emerge as the team's starter. He's played well, with 939 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. But to this point, Gordon and Williams have split the backfield duties.
That may change after the 2021 season—Gordon will be an unrestricted free agent, and Williams has played well enough that the Broncos may not be willing to meet the type of offers Gordon is able to get on the market. Certainly, it appears as though Gordon feels Broncos fans are ready for a passing of the torch.
Russell Wilson Trade Rumors: Seahawks QB Open to Playing for Giants, Saints, Broncos
Dec 8, 2021
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field on December 05, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson reportedly would consider waiving his no-trade clause after the 2021 season for the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints or Denver Broncos, per sportswriter Jordan Schultz.
There was a lot of people, there was a whole thing saying I requested a trade, and that's just not true. I didn't request a trade. Everything kind of started from there. Obviously, tons of teams were calling and I think that the reality was I didn't want to go anywhere else, I wanted to play in Seattle. But if I had to go somewhere, these are the teams I would go to or consider. At the end of the day I have a no-trade clause, right?
But with the Seahawks limping to a 4-8 record this season and the playoffs likely out of reach, whispers of Wilson's desire to play elsewhere have cropped up again.
The 33-year-old has had his own struggles this season, throwing for just 2,042 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 67.2 percent of his passes in nine games. He has a 3-6 record as the team's starter.
Part of his dip in play is likely due to the injured finger that cost him three games. In five contests before the injury he threw for 10 touchdowns and one interception. In four games since, however, he's thrown for just four scores and three picks. That has led to questions about whether Wilson perhaps returned too soon.
Pete Carroll says on @710ESPNSeattle of Russell Wilson now four games into his return from hand surgery: “He ain’t perfect,” but he’s much better. Expects continued improvement back to his norm the last five games.
Regardless, it's been a rough season in Seattle, and continued rumors of Wilson's potential future departure won't make it any easier.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Defeat Teddy Bridgewater, Broncos on SNF for 5th Straight Win
Dec 6, 2021
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The Kansas City Chiefs stayed hot coming out of their bye week, earning their fifth straight win by defeating the Denver Broncos 22-9 on Sunday night. Patrick Mahomes had 184 passing yards, an interception and a rushing touchdown as Kansas City improved to 8-4.
Mahomes escapes and scores! 10-yard rushing TD for #15. #ChiefsKingdom
The Chiefs also kept another streak alive, as Sunday's victory marked the 12th straight time they took down the AFC West-rival Broncos.
Denver fell to 6-6 with the loss. Teddy Bridgewater led the Broncos with 257 passing yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. Rookie running back Javonte Williams had 178 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown.
Notable Stats
Patrick Mahomes, QB, KC: 15-of-29 for 184 YDS, INT; 4 CAR for 12 YDS, TD
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, DEN: 22-of-40 for 257 YDS, TD, 2 INT
Javonte Williams, RB, DEN: 23 CAR for 102 YDS; 6 REC for 76 YDS, TD
Chiefs Learning to Win in Different Ways
One thing has been clear about this season: This isn't the same Kansas City team we've all grown accustomed to in recent years. The Chiefs are no longer racking up 450 yards of offense and blowing out teams by 40 points. Instead, they've learned how to grind out games.
Sunday's game seemed like the perfect opportunity for the Kansas City offense to get back to its big-play ways. Denver played a single-high safety on defense for most of the game despite teams limiting the Chiefs this season by utilizing two deep safeties. Still, Kansas City was unable to take advantage.
The Chiefs went 72 yards on 12 plays on their opening drive, which was capped off by a 10-yard rush touchdown by Mahomes. They led going into halftime despite trailing the Broncos in most statistical categories.
Mahomes threw his 12th interception of the year on Kansas City's opening drive in the third quarter. He recovered on the next possession with a 38-yard pass to Darrel Williams, which was the Chiefs' longest play of the day. But the drive stalled, and the Chiefs settled for a field goal.
Pat Surtain picks off Pat Mahomes for his fourth INT of the season 😤
The story of the second half was the Chiefs defense, though, as they made timely plays to put an end to any of Denver's momentum.
Juan Thornhill picked off a pass by Bridgewater late in the third quarter, but the Chiefs offense went three-and-out on the subsequent possession. On the ensuing punt, Byron Pringle recovered a muff by Broncos returner Diontae Spencer at the Denver 16-yard line, but Kansas City once again settled for a field goal.
Teddy Bridgewater is picked.
He has only completed 50% of his passes for a 49.4 rating so far tonight.
While the weather in Kansas City may have been a factor in the struggles of both offenses, Mahomes finished with a season-low passer rating of just 57.2.
However, the Chiefs learning to win despite an off-night by Mahomes and the offense will be a lesson the team carries going forward as they attempt to make their third straight Super Bowl appearance.
Denver Doomed by Missed Opportunities
The Broncos had their chances to keep the game close, but it just wasn't their night. Denver's defense played well enough to give its offense some opportunities, but the team failed to convert time and time again.
Denver's biggest blunder on Sunday was its 20-play drive in the first half that resulted in in a turnover on downs.
The @Chiefs defense comes up with a stop on 4th down to end Denver's 20-play drive.
Per @pfref, the Broncos’ 20-play, 83-yard drive that chewed up 11:07 was just the fourth drive since 2001 to have at least 20 plays, cover at least 80 yards and take up at least 10 minutes.
The other three ended in two touchdowns and a blocked FG.
Would not have guessed it, but it has only been three years since a team last failed to score on a 20-play possession, as the Broncos just did, according to @ESPNStatsInfo.
In Week 7 of 2018, Saints ran 20 plays on their opening drive and then lost a fumble.
In the second half, Denver forced the Chiefs to settle for field goals, but ill-timed turnovers on offense and special teams put an end to any momentum the team tried to build.
Patrick was open. Teddy's throw was deflected. Sorensen cruises 75 yards for score. Yes, Teddy tried to tackle him. No it didn't matter. #Broncos trail 22-3 with 9:42 remaining. #Denver7
Bridgewater did break through with a short touchdown pass to Williams midway through the fourth quarter, but it was much too late with the game already out of reach.
Javonte Williams notched his second career 100-yard rushing game tonight.
Barring a miracle rally, the Broncos will fall to 22-2 since 2014 when they have a 100-yard rusher. Both losses will have come to the Chiefs — tonight & last year when Gordon had 131 yards.
Denver has been a better offense than it showed on Sunday, entering the game averaging 20.7 points. The Broncos will have to take advantage of their opponents' mistakes and put some points on the board if they hope to make a playoff push as the season winds down.
What's Next?
The Chiefs will welcome another AFC West foe to Arrowhead Stadium next Sunday when the Las Vegas Raiders come to town. The Broncos will look to bounce back that same day against the Detroit Lions.
Javonte Williams, Mike Boone Updated Fantasy Outlook After Melvin Gordon Injury
Dec 4, 2021
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 21: Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) runs after making a catch during the first quarter of the National Football League game between the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns on October 21, 2021, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos will be without their leading rusher Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Broncos ruled out running back Melvin Gordon on Saturday because of shoulder and hip injuries.
It's a major loss for the team, and one that left fantasy players wondering how it will impact fellow running backs Javonte Williams and Mike Boone.
Williams has RB2 potential going forward. The Broncos, despite having Gordon atop the depth chart, felt compelled to use a second-round pick on the former North Carolina Tar Heel. His strength and explosiveness makes him an instant threat to be a fantasy mainstay with Gordon sidelined.
"Javonte, he's an explosive runner," his offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur told reporters on June 16. "He did a really nice job in the passing game with regard to protection. He [also] displayed an ability to catch the ball [in college], which are all things that we've seen in the training. You never really know how a guy learns until you work with him. Having worked with him now, he's a quick learner and he's got great instincts with regard to football. It shows up on the field."
You should expect it to show up on the field in the form of RB2 fantasy production.
While Gordon leads the Broncos with 605 yards and five touchdowns on the ground this season, Williams has been impressive in his own right.
Williams has rushed for 568 yards and two touchdowns, while also making 27 receptions for 193 yards and one score. His 4.9 yards-per-carry average is the best on the team ahead of Gordon's mark of 4.5.
Fantasy managers have waited all year for Williams to be unleashed, and he will finally have that opportunity Sunday.
Boone has appeared in four games this season but has not had a carry. In three prior seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Boone rushed for 379 yards and four touchdowns.
While Williams should be in all fantasy lineups until Gordon returns, Boone is likely best left on the waiver wire.
Broncos' Melvin Gordon Downgraded to Out vs. Chiefs with Hip Injury
Dec 4, 2021
Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III won't play against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The team announced Saturday that it has downgraded the 28-year-old to out for Sunday's game after he didn't participate in practice all week because of hip and shoulder injuries.
Per the announcement, Gordon isn't traveling with the Broncos to Kansas City.
The Broncos signed Gordon away from their AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers in March 2020. He was coming off a disappointing 2019 season that got off to a delayed start because of a contract holdout.
Gordon turned in a solid 2020 campaign with 1,144 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns on 247 touches in 15 games. He is off to another strong start this season, with 771 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns on 157 touches through 11 games.
Denver's offense is loaded with upside, but the unit's success will hinge on how well the quarterback position plays. Teddy Bridgewater has fared well as the starter for most of the season.
With Gordon out of commission again, the Broncos will turn to rookie Javonte Williams as their primary running back.
Williams has been terrific in 2021 with 568 rushing yards on 117 carries in 11 games. Sunday would mark the first start of his career if he's given the nod against the Chiefs.
Report: Broncos Interviewing Bankers Ahead of Possible Sale, Ownership Change
Dec 2, 2021
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 28: A Denver Broncos helmet sits on the sideline during the NFL game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos on November 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos are reportedly making preparations for the potential sale of the franchise.
According to Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams of Yahoo Sports, the team interviewed multiple bankers last month in a sign that steps are being taken toward a change in ownership.
The Broncos are currently owned by the estate of Pro Football Hall of Famer Pat Bowlen, who was the team's principal owner from 1984 until his death from Alzheimer's disease in 2019.
Joe Ellis, who is the Broncos' CEO and team president, has handled the day-to-day operations of the team since 2014 after Bowlen's diagnosis.
Soshnick and Novy-Williams noted that Bowlen's seven children have disagreed regarding which of them should have the controlling stake of the team or whether it should be sold since his death.
Each of Bowlen's children reportedly own 11 percent of the team, but Bowlen did not declare which of them would be the controlling owner prior to his death.
The Broncos were among the most successful franchises in NFL history under Bowlen, as they reached the Super Bowl seven times, winning on three occasions.
Much of the success came courtesy of Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, who took the team to five Super Bowls, while fellow Hall of Famer Peyton Manning was largely responsible for the two latest Super Bowl berths, including Denver's Super Bowl 50 win at the conclusion of the 2015 season.
If and when the Broncos are sold, they will become the first NFL franchise to be sold since the Carolina Panthers in 2018.
David Tepper purchased the Panthers from Jerry Richardson for $2.275 billion, which stands as an NFL record. The Broncos would almost certainly surpass that price, however.
In September, Sportico's Kurt Badenhausen listed the Broncos as the 11th-most valuable team in the NFL at $3.8 billion.
Report: Broncos' Teddy Bridgewater's Leg Injury vs. Chargers Believed to Be Contusion
Nov 29, 2021
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is believed to have suffered a lower leg contusion during Sunday's 28-13 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Jeff Legwold.
He will reportedly be further evaluated on Monday.
Bridgewater was injured while being sacked by Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. late in the first quarter, resulting in the quarterback undergoing an X-ray.
He was briefly replaced by backup Drew Lock but was able to return after halftime.
"[It] swells up real quick...he had to take some tests to make sure nothing was happening underneath it,'' Broncos coach Vic Fangio said after the game, per Legwold. "...He toughed it out—he was nowhere near 100 percent in that second half—but he toughed it out and led the offense.''
Bridgewater finished the game 11-of-18 for 129 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions. He added 10 yards and a score on the ground.
The29-year-oldwas previously ruled out of the Week 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens with a concussion, although he was cleared to return in time for Week 5.
Bridgewater has been effective when on the field in 2021, totaling 2,518 passing yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions through 11 games.
The Louisville productcame to Denver in an offseason trade after an up-and-down 2020 as the starter for the Carolina Panthers. He quickly made a positive impression with his new team, winning the starting job after a battle with Lock.
Denver improved to 6-5 with Sunday's victory, putting it in a three-way tie for second place in the AFC West.
Bradley Chubb Activated off Injured Reserve by Broncos After 8-Game Absence
Nov 27, 2021
ENGLEWOOD , CO - AUGUST 31: Bradley Chubb (55) of the Denver Broncos laughs as he warms up during practice on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Denver Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb could be back on the field for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The team announced Saturday that Chubb has been activated off injured reserve after he missed the previous eight games with an ankle injury.
Chubb originally suffered the injury before the start of the regular season, causing him to miss Week 1 against the New York Giants.
After he played just 19 snaps the following week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Broncos announced he was undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair the issue.
Now in his fourth season, Chubb shouldered high expectations ahead of 2021. The 25-year-old was named to his first Pro Bowl last season after recording 19 quarterback hits and 7.5 sacks.
The Broncos enter Week 12 in last place in the AFC West, but their 5-5 record is just one game behind the Chargers (6-4) for the final playoff spot in the conference.
