“You did it the right way”: Peyton Manning Reacts to Demaryius Thomas Retiring With the Denver Broncos

Former Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas retired today after 10 seasons in the NFL. His teammate, friend, and fellow Super Bowl 50 Champion, Peyton Manning, had a special message for him.

Thomas, who played for the Texans and Jets in addition to the Broncos, announced his retirement earlier today. Having been in Denver for 8 of his 1o seasons, he chose to retire as a Bronco.

“I’m Demaryius Thomas, and I’ve finally come to a decision to hang it up. I’m going to retire, and I’m going to retire a Denver Bronco.” pic.twitter.com/Q6nNrxc59B

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 28, 2021

During his peak, Thomas was on Hall of Fame pace. He was a 5-time Pro-Bowler with the Broncos, holds the franchise single-season receiving yards record, and was a member of the team which beat the Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

Over his career, he caught 724 passes for 9,763 yards and 63 TDs. Eventually, he saw his productivity decline. He was traded to Houston in 2018 where he suffered a torn Achilles, before playing 11 games for the Jets in 2019.

Thomas went unsigned last year, and today, decided to officially hang up the cleats. He will serve as an honorary captain for the Broncos in their home opener in 2021, and a video tribute will be played in the stadium too.

Peyton Manning Congratulates Demaryius Thomas On His Retirement

Thomas easily had the best seasons of his career when he was catching Manning’s passes. The 2 formed a killer duo during Manning’s stint in Denver. In fact, when Manning retired in 2016, it clearly had a negative impact on Thomas’s career.

After Thomas announced his retirement, Peyton sent praised him and wished him luck.

“I always had great respect for your toughness, your work ethic, your fearlessness across the middle, your ability to make big catches in big games. … You did it the right way.”

Peyton Manning on Demaryius Thomas: pic.twitter.com/3RhBODuhP8

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 28, 2021

For a legendary career, tributes poured in from everywhere. Another Broncos legend and current President of Football operations, John Elway, released a statement too.

“You could always count on D.T. He belongs among the greatest players in Broncos history for what he’s meant to this organization on the field and out in the community.”

Pres. of Football Ops @johnelway on Demaryius Thomas: pic.twitter.com/5bAx3pToR8

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 28, 2021

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