Mourning, tributes to Bay Bay Thomas are far and wide, from near and far: ‘One of the most thoughtful and humble people I've ever known’
We mourn the sudden loss of Demaryius Thomas, who brought joy to his fans, family, teammates and coaches 💔
— Georgia Tech Football (@GeorgiaTechFB) December 10, 2021
🔗 https://t.co/FsQfQruR6N pic.twitter.com/x8u21ZGL3W
From the roads of Dublin and Dexter and Laurens County – including the old West Laurens football stadium by I-16 - throughout Central Georgia to Super Bowl winners and Hall of Famers and GOATs and outside of football, Atlanta to Denver to Houston and beyond, millions awoke Friday to the devastating news that 33-year-old Demaryius Thomas – Bay Bay to thousands of Raiders and Irish and Falcons and Yellow Jackets, among others – was found dead in his home in Roswell late Thursday night.
Two weeks and two days before his 34th birthday
He graduated from West Laurens, went to Georgia Tech and stayed despite a coaching change that put him in a run-oriented offense, and went on to a superb NFL career in Denver, ending his career seemingly premature with stops in Houston, New England, and New York.
While the rivalries in Laurens County are serious, Thomas was all about Laurens County, to the point of sitting on the bench for the Dublin boys basketball team in a playoff game at Georgia College a few years ago.
His family story became national in 2016. His mother and grandmother were arrested when he was 11 for running a drug ring. They were among those pardoned by President Obama. She had never seen him play a football game live, and was released in time for the divisional playoffs. Denver won 23-16, and Peyton Manning gave Thomas the game ball to give to his mom Katina.
The tributes are vast and many, going beyond the big plays and big smiles. Get the Kleenex box.
Demaryius Thomas on being loved ❤️ https://t.co/xXg26HxJVs pic.twitter.com/ijHCrprrFB
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) December 10, 2021
Demaryius Thomas and his mother. She gets to see her son play football for the FIRST TIME today!#BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/22YOYY79tn
— Jeremy Nicolls (@JeremyNicolls) January 17, 2016
A very sad day for @GeorgiaTechFB @NFL DT you resonated with many. Prayers up for you and your family. 💔 RIP. pic.twitter.com/En2FYSTsB0
— Calvin Johnson Jr. (@calvinjohnsonjr) December 10, 2021
Im so sad to wake up this morning to hear about the passing of my friend Demariyus Thomas. We were all blessed with his humility and positive spirit, and we will all miss him. This photo is from the Hall of Fame this past August, a source of light as always. 🙏 RIP pic.twitter.com/o3hvQN0cRz
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) December 10, 2021
Rest in Peace Demaryius Thomas, a West Laurens LEGEND and an even better person.
— Rowdy Raiders (@rowdy_raiders) December 10, 2021
Prayers up, he will be missed by many.💙🤍
[Demaryius’] legacy as a Bronco extended far beyond the playing field as a caring, generous member of our community.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2021
We have lost an incredible player and a special person in Demaryius Thomas. https://t.co/eORPtwKQGt
Head Coach @CoachCollins was on his way back from a recruiting trip when he got the news about #DemaryiusThomas last night.
— Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonWSB) December 10, 2021
Coach Collins said this morning he woke up, he scrolled through his text message thread with Bay Bay.
He says it's heartbreaking and it hurts. pic.twitter.com/H4u1OMEE7T
Demaryius Thomas on being loved ❤️ https://t.co/xXg26HxJVs pic.twitter.com/ijHCrprrFB
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) December 10, 2021
Demaryius Thomas and his mother. She gets to see her son play football for the FIRST TIME today!#BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/22YOYY79tn
— Jeremy Nicolls (@JeremyNicolls) January 17, 2016
A very sad day for @GeorgiaTechFB @NFL DT you resonated with many. Prayers up for you and your family. 💔 RIP. pic.twitter.com/En2FYSTsB0
— Calvin Johnson Jr. (@calvinjohnsonjr) December 10, 2021
Im so sad to wake up this morning to hear about the passing of my friend Demariyus Thomas. We were all blessed with his humility and positive spirit, and we will all miss him. This photo is from the Hall of Fame this past August, a source of light as always. 🙏 RIP pic.twitter.com/o3hvQN0cRz
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) December 10, 2021
Rest in Peace Demaryius Thomas, a West Laurens LEGEND and an even better person.
— Rowdy Raiders (@rowdy_raiders) December 10, 2021
Prayers up, he will be missed by many.💙🤍
[Demaryius’] legacy as a Bronco extended far beyond the playing field as a caring, generous member of our community.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2021
We have lost an incredible player and a special person in Demaryius Thomas. https://t.co/eORPtwKQGt
Head Coach @CoachCollins was on his way back from a recruiting trip when he got the news about #DemaryiusThomas last night.
— Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonWSB) December 10, 2021
Coach Collins said this morning he woke up, he scrolled through his text message thread with Bay Bay.
He says it's heartbreaking and it hurts. pic.twitter.com/H4u1OMEE7T
Definitely one of the reasons I was proud to wear that old gold n white… As he would say “It’s always luv.. nun else” R.I.P. Brother🐝 https://t.co/sUgBcckOQf
— Shaq Mason (@ShaqDiesel_70) December 10, 2021
Man I’m lost for words! I woke up hoping it was a dream! Bro your energy and spirit was like no other! The fact that we was just texting not too long ago about getting up and it didn’t happen, kills me! The world just lost a real one! Rest easy brother! BFAM for life! 😢 #baybay pic.twitter.com/jNdoqMk3IJ
— Clinton Kent (@CoachKent41) December 10, 2021
Most people saw what Demaryius Thomas could do on the field. Off the field, he was even more special.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 10, 2021
These are just some of the videos I still have on my phone that swore I never would delete. Being around little kids was when Demaryius seemed the happiest. pic.twitter.com/E1UIXigpIJ
So heartbroken to hear about the death of DT. He was such a talent with a great heart for helping others. He had the ability to make everyone around him feel special. My condolences and prayers to his family and all the people he touched. You will be missed young man!!! RIP
— Paul Johnson (@CoachPCJ) December 10, 2021
88 💔 Legendary
— Erik Walden (@E_Ninety3) December 10, 2021
Woke up and saw the really devastating news about my teammate and friend, Demaryius Thomas. So many are going to remember him for his athletic ability… but I’ll be remembering him for his kindness, his smile that would light up a room, and the love he had for those in his life. pic.twitter.com/gNVzmJ503X
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) December 10, 2021
RIP BAYBAY https://t.co/fbam7Jn0rg
— Coach J. Chastain (@jakechastain_10) December 10, 2021
Gone miss you BaeBae💔. My lil bro,teammate, and friend . Tough🙏�� pic.twitter.com/k1ygcp1UpU
— Coach Choice (@coachchoice) December 10, 2021
A great man gone too soon. #RIP @DemaryiusThomas https://t.co/7LKuWQUf4S
— Dublin City Schools (@dcsirish) December 10, 2021
RIP Demaryius Thomas. 😞💔. This hurts. pic.twitter.com/w8OpvEkoc1
— Spoon Risper (@SpoonRisper) December 10, 2021
Peyton Manning (1 of 2): “D.T. was a better person than he was a player, and he was a Hall of Fame player. 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. …” https://t.co/ZxXyaatzR6
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) December 10, 2021
RIP Demaryius Thomas. 😞💔. This hurts. pic.twitter.com/w8OpvEkoc1
— Spoon Risper (@SpoonRisper) December 10, 2021
RIP Bay Bay!!! Real Middle Ga legend!!! Rest up #DT #88.
— Casey Hayward (@show_case29) December 10, 2021
True inspiration for kids like us growing up in central GA. RIP https://t.co/KFVzz0pJ2h
— Willie Taylor III (@wassupwillie) December 10, 2021
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/eUKnn33yNv
— Dublin City Schools (@dcsirish) December 10, 2021
The best teammate you could have. Overcame. Succeeded. Inspired. Brought joy. RIP BayBay #8. pic.twitter.com/phjNMw6eLJ
— Roddy Jones (@RoddyJones20) December 10, 2021
A humble soul & a great person on & off the field! Only ounce of peace i can find in this trying time is when we last saw each other, we hugged each other so hard. I was able to give you your well deserved flowers for a great career & overcoming all obstacles in your way #LLDT88 pic.twitter.com/8ZtzDYIBUt
— Seddy Pendergrass (@YeahISedIt_54) December 10, 2021
Bay-Bay came back around Tech in August and he spoke with the team during the preseason this year and shared his experiences and he shared how much he loved GT and how much he loved football with the guys.
— Kelly Quinlan (@Kelly_Quinlan) December 10, 2021
I've done this job my entire adult life and I've known few people like Demaryius Thomas, who found a way to retain his humanity, kindness and joy of life in the most trying circumstances; who found a way to try to achieve on-field greatness as he lifted others along the way.
— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) December 10, 2021
Baybay was the anti-college football player of today. He chose to stay and play for CPJ knowing it was an option offense. He became such a well-rounded receiver as a result. He could devastate linebackers and safeties while run blocking.
— Cody Fortune (@CodyFortune) December 10, 2021
Here’s DT with my parents in 2016. He was one of the most thoughtful and humble people I’ve ever known. A special teammate and great friend. RIP DT. Love ya pal https://t.co/mMAIKFwihg
— Trevor Siemian (@TrevorSiemian) December 10, 2021
Definitely one of the reasons I was proud to wear that old gold n white… As he would say “It’s always luv.. nun else” R.I.P. Brother🐝 https://t.co/sUgBcckOQf
— Shaq Mason (@ShaqDiesel_70) December 10, 2021
Man I’m lost for words! I woke up hoping it was a dream! Bro your energy and spirit was like no other! The fact that we was just texting not too long ago about getting up and it didn’t happen, kills me! The world just lost a real one! Rest easy brother! BFAM for life! 😢 #baybay pic.twitter.com/jNdoqMk3IJ
— Clinton Kent (@CoachKent41) December 10, 2021
Most people saw what Demaryius Thomas could do on the field. Off the field, he was even more special.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 10, 2021
These are just some of the videos I still have on my phone that swore I never would delete. Being around little kids was when Demaryius seemed the happiest. pic.twitter.com/E1UIXigpIJ
So heartbroken to hear about the death of DT. He was such a talent with a great heart for helping others. He had the ability to make everyone around him feel special. My condolences and prayers to his family and all the people he touched. You will be missed young man!!! RIP
— Paul Johnson (@CoachPCJ) December 10, 2021
88 💔 Legendary
— Erik Walden (@E_Ninety3) December 10, 2021
Woke up and saw the really devastating news about my teammate and friend, Demaryius Thomas. So many are going to remember him for his athletic ability… but I’ll be remembering him for his kindness, his smile that would light up a room, and the love he had for those in his life. pic.twitter.com/gNVzmJ503X
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) December 10, 2021
RIP BAYBAY https://t.co/fbam7Jn0rg
— Coach J. Chastain (@jakechastain_10) December 10, 2021
Gone miss you BaeBae💔. My lil bro,teammate, and friend . Tough🙏�� pic.twitter.com/k1ygcp1UpU
— Coach Choice (@coachchoice) December 10, 2021
A great man gone too soon. #RIP @DemaryiusThomas https://t.co/7LKuWQUf4S
— Dublin City Schools (@dcsirish) December 10, 2021
RIP Demaryius Thomas. 😞💔. This hurts. pic.twitter.com/w8OpvEkoc1
— Spoon Risper (@SpoonRisper) December 10, 2021
Peyton Manning (1 of 2): “D.T. was a better person than he was a player, and he was a Hall of Fame player. 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. …” https://t.co/ZxXyaatzR6
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) December 10, 2021
RIP Demaryius Thomas. 😞💔. This hurts. pic.twitter.com/w8OpvEkoc1
— Spoon Risper (@SpoonRisper) December 10, 2021
RIP Bay Bay!!! Real Middle Ga legend!!! Rest up #DT #88.
— Casey Hayward (@show_case29) December 10, 2021
True inspiration for kids like us growing up in central GA. RIP https://t.co/KFVzz0pJ2h
— Willie Taylor III (@wassupwillie) December 10, 2021
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/eUKnn33yNv
— Dublin City Schools (@dcsirish) December 10, 2021
The best teammate you could have. Overcame. Succeeded. Inspired. Brought joy. RIP BayBay #8. pic.twitter.com/phjNMw6eLJ
— Roddy Jones (@RoddyJones20) December 10, 2021
A humble soul & a great person on & off the field! Only ounce of peace i can find in this trying time is when we last saw each other, we hugged each other so hard. I was able to give you your well deserved flowers for a great career & overcoming all obstacles in your way #LLDT88 pic.twitter.com/8ZtzDYIBUt
— Seddy Pendergrass (@YeahISedIt_54) December 10, 2021
Bay-Bay came back around Tech in August and he spoke with the team during the preseason this year and shared his experiences and he shared how much he loved GT and how much he loved football with the guys.
— Kelly Quinlan (@Kelly_Quinlan) December 10, 2021
I've done this job my entire adult life and I've known few people like Demaryius Thomas, who found a way to retain his humanity, kindness and joy of life in the most trying circumstances; who found a way to try to achieve on-field greatness as he lifted others along the way.
— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) December 10, 2021
Baybay was the anti-college football player of today. He chose to stay and play for CPJ knowing it was an option offense. He became such a well-rounded receiver as a result. He could devastate linebackers and safeties while run blocking.
— Cody Fortune (@CodyFortune) December 10, 2021