A true champion from tragedy to triumph story, Demaryius Antwon Thomas was born in Montrose, Georgia on Christmas day, December 25, 1987. At the young age of 7, Demaryius’ mother was arrested before his very eyes, one morning before school. The last words DT can remember his mother uttering were to ask the arresting officers to allow her to put her kids on their school bus- this would be the last time Demaryius would see his mom outside of the prison bars that confine her. He grew up absent from his father who was stationed overseas as active member of the US military. Although he had a natural gift and talent for sports, he bounced from various family member’s house as they did not want to nurture his talent. They had no interest in taking him to practice. He was also separated from his other siblings as they were all raised separately. His innate strength for sports was spawned in high school after his father’s sister and husband decided to take in Demaryius and cultivate his talent.

Thomas attended West Laurens High School where he played basketball and football as a wide receiver. As a junior in 2004, Thomas was named an all-region and all-Heart of Georgia player. After the season, he participated in the North-South All-Star game. The Atlanta Journal Constitution named him to its Class AA all-state first team and Prep Star to its All-Region team. Scout.com assessed him as the 22nd-ranked college prospect in the state of Georgia, and Rivals.com rated him the 34th-ranked such prospect. Not bad despite his challenging upbringing.

Thomas was heavily recruited by several colleges but decided to attend Georgia Tech in his hometown where he exceled in football. Thomas led the team in receiving in all three of his seasons at Tech. The Sporting News named Thomas to its freshman All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) first team and a freshman All- America honorable mention. He was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 22nd overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, as the highest drafted Wide Receiver in 2010.

Although Thomas gained the honor of having the 2nd most catches by a rookie in franchise history, Thomas was plagued by injuries during his rookie season. He first missed playing time due to a forearm injury and a concussion; an ankle injury also rendered him inactive for five more games late in the season.

During Thomas’ sophomore season, Thomas tore his Achilles tendon while working out and was expected to miss a majority, if not the entirety, of the 2011 season. However, he was surprisingly activated and would end the season strongly, emerging as Tebow’s favorite receiver and setting a franchise record . In the 2012 season, Thomas caught the game-winning, 80-yard touchdown pass from Tebow on the opening play of overtime to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card game-the first non-sudden death playoff game in NFL history. This play also earned Thomas a 2012 ESPY Award. Demaryius was selected to his first Pro Bowl in the 2012- 2013 season. Thomas is one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL right now especially playing with quarterback Peyton Manning. He was selected to the 2013- 2014 & 2014-2015 Pro-Bowl among other football honors. This will be Thomas’ 2nd SuperBowl in 3 years.