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Broncos fans are sharing Demaryius Thomas’ signature playoff walk-off after his tragic death

By Aryanna Prasad

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 08: Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball after a catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers to score an 80 yard touchdown in overtime during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos defeated the the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime 23 - 29. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 08: Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball after a catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers to score an 80 yard touchdown in overtime during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos defeated the the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime 23 - 29. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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As the sports world reels from the death of former NFL wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos fans remember one of Thomas’ most memorable catches.

In all of the tributes pouring out from those who knew explosive NFL wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, he is described as a kind soul with a radiant smile. “Light” has been used frequently to describe his essence, which left a profound impression on those he met.

In his passing, Broncos fans remember one of Thomas’ signature moments: when he lit up the field with an 80-yard walkoff touchdown. The Broncos and Steelers were tied 23-23 in the AFC Wild Card Round, and the Broncos just needed a touchdown to win it.

Facing a first and ten on the first play of overtime, Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow connected with Thomas, who was already 20 yards downfield. Thomas charged downfield with the ball for a 60-yard touchdown, nimbly dodging defenders in an unforgettable display. It’s a moment that Broncos fans continue to cherish to this day.

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Even Steelers fans honored Thomas for his unbelievable play, which propelled the Broncos to the Super Bowl.

Broncos fans remember Demaryius Thomas in 80-yard walkoff touchdown

At the time, Thomas made NFL history with the longest overtime scoring play.

Thomas, who the Broncos selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, defined his career in that incredible moment. Thomas played with the Broncos until 2018, signing with three more NFL teams until he retired in 2019. While his brief time with the Patriots, Texans and Jets is commemorated by Tom Brady and others, the Super Bowl champion remains a legend in Denver.

“For me, it was like a coming-out party,” Thomas said in 2015. “The first couple of years, I was injured, wasn’t on the field much and I came back and won in overtime, first play, 80 yards. To be able to go out and put up the numbers I did that game and then to go do the same thing the next week with similar numbers, but we didn’t win, it was big. First time in the playoffs, it was big.”

Earlier this summer, Thomas reflected on that moment as one of the Top 3 moments in his illustrious career.

RIP to a great football player, and an even better person.

More. Demaryius Thomas’ death believed to be linked to ongoing medical issue. light

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