Damaryius Thomas’ Mother Might See Him Play For The First Time This Weekend

Playoff games are always emotional affairs, but Denver Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas might have some extra motivation this weekend. There’s a chance that his mother will see him play football for the first time in 17 years.

Katina Smith was arrested in 1996 for narcotics trafficking. And while she was scheduled to be released from prison in 2017, her sentence was one of 46 commuted by President Barack Obama in July.

Smith then spent several months in a Georgia halfway house before moving in with relatives in November. She had planned to attend a game earlier this season, but needed to wait at least 60 days before traveling.

“Yeah, she can travel now, so we’re working on that,” Thomas said. “It would mean a lot. It would be her first game. I would be excited. I know she’ll be excited. It would mean to see her first game live.”

Thomas has previously spoken about his memories of seeing his mother get arrested and his desire to reunite his family. She watched his games on television during her time in prison and, after her release, has been texting her son constantly about his games.

Photo: Demaryius Thomas by Jeffery Beall via Wikimedia Commons