NFL wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders announced his retirement Wednesday after 12 seasons in the league. A key contributor to the Denver Broncos organization that won the Super Bowl in 2016, Sanders signed a one-day contract so that he could retire as a member of his former team.

“When I think about my career, it has been a blessing,” Sanders said in a press conference Wednesday.

Coming out of Southern Methodist University in 2010, Sanders earned all-conference honors in his last two seasons but was not a standout in that year’s draft class. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the third round, and though he only started once in his rookie year, he also made his first Super Bowl appearance when the team lost to the Green Bay Packers.

In four seasons with Pittsburgh, Sanders gradually worked his way up the depth chart, starting in 10 games in 2013. His breakout didn’t come until the following season, however, when he entered free agency and signed with the Broncos. Alongside new teammates Peyton Manning and Demaryius Thomas, Sanders made an immediate impact, starting all 16 regular season games and earning a career-high 1,404 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He also made his first of two Pro Bowl appearances.

Though he regressed slightly in 2015, Sanders was nevertheless a key contributor on a Denver team that went 12-4 and cruised into the postseason. In Super Bowl 50, his second appearance, the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers to win the championship. Sanders was the top receiver in the game catching six of eight targets for 83 yards.

After the team’s Super Bowl season, Sanders continued to contribute for several more years before the team traded him to the San Francisco 49ers in 2019. His timing was opportune, as the 49ers were already well on their way to a postseason run when Sanders joined. San Francisco won the NFC Championship but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV.

Following stints in New Orleans and Buffalo in 2020 and 2021, Sanders has decided to call it a career ahead of the upcoming season.

In 12 NFL seasons, Sanders compiled 9,867 total receiving yards and 52 touchdowns. Sanders said that he was still receiving offers from NFL teams for 2022 but cited his health and the recent death of Demaryius Thomas, his former teammate, as reasons to step away.

“The game of football is tough on the body, and you know I lost a close friend, Demaryius Thomas. And for me, it’s about longevity of life now. I had a heck of a career, 12 years, three Super Bowls,” Sanders said. “To me, I feel like what else do I have to prove?”

Sanders also confirmed that he had agreed to a deal as a television analyst and is waiting to sign his contract before revealing his employer. He plans to spend more time with his family in the next stage of his life.

New details surrounding the death of former Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas have emerged this week as the Fulton County, Georgia medical examiner’s office concluded that the All-Pro receiver died from complications from seizures.

There has been a number of new developments emerging from the untimely death of Thomas on December 9, 2021, just six months following his retirement from the NFL.

Last month, doctors from Boston University found that Thomas was dealing with advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after examining his brain. Although CTE is degenerative, it cannot cause death.

Doctors believe that Thomas’ seizures were rather a result of a 2019 car crash in which Thomas’ skull cracked the windshield, and he had to be removed from the vehicle with a hydraulic rescue tool.

He had been driving 70 m.p.h. in a 30 m.p.h. zone when he lost control and his car flipped.

Dr. Ann McKee found that it would be unlikely that C.T.E. was responsible for his seizures and said that Thomas most likely died of suffocation following a seizure after examining his brain. Although the cause of death has been officially determined, investigators say his manner of death has yet to be determined. Thomas was found in his shower by his driver.

Thomas’s family and friends said that he had increasing numbers of seizures in the months leading up to his death. These seizures would be in-home incidents and came on with little or no warning.

This paired with CTE symptoms such as memory loss, paranoia and isolation made Thomas erratic and reclusive in his final months. According to close friends and relatives, he would go long stretches without leaving his home or responding to texts and phone calls.

Thomas had been reportedly working out in 2020 to spur a comeback to the NFL but stopped midway through the year because the frequency of seizures increased. He officially retired in June 2021.

In his retirement announcement, Thomas expressed that he was still looking to build relationships with anyone around him. “It ain’t easy leaving football,” he said. “Because that’s my main thing, just trying to find self and put out love.”

The Denver community was devastated when news of former Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas‘ passing broke last week. When the Broncos and Detroit Lions took the field on Sunday, there was no question that both teams still had their minds on the tragedy that occurred.

Tributes for Thomas were seen and heard across the NFL, but the Broncos wanted to honor the man who had made such a big impact on their city and team in a different way.

On the first play of the game, the Broncos took the field with just 10 players. They took a delay of game, which Detroit declined. After taking a moment to honor Thomas, wide receiver Courtland Sutton ran onto the field to give the Broncos their eleventh player.

“It was a special moment to be a part of something like that with this organization,” Denver quarterback Teddy Bridgewater said. “Paying homage to someone who did so many great things, not only on the football field but off the field. I think we’re all familiar with ‘Bay-Bay’s’ [Thomas’] story and just how he impacted people. Everyone he came across, his smile, his presence. So it was great to just go out there with 10 guys and understand that he was out there with us.”

The planned tribute was beautiful – but so was the unplanned. The Broncos ended the game with an 88 (Thomas’ number) yard drive.

“For us to be able to come in as young players and have such an amazing person be our mentor, it was tough and it made it a tough week,” Sutton said. “It still is tough. It’s not something that you just wake up and it goes away. He’s gone and it’s sad — it’s very sad. All we can do now is try to make him as proud as we possibly can because he showed us the way. He gave us the roadmap and it’s on us to continue the legacy and continue to live as D.T. did. That’s what we want to do.”

Demaryius Thomas, former Denver Broncos wideout, was found dead at his home in Roswell, Georgia on Thursday evening. He was just 33 years old.

“Preliminary information is that his death stems from a medical issue, and our investigators currently have no reason to believe otherwise,” the police spokesperson Tim Lupo said in a statement.

Thomas’ cousin, LaTonya Bonseigneur, told reporters that the family believes his death was caused by a seizure.

Thomas rose to prominence as a member of the Broncos from 2010-2018. He was a first round pick in 2010 NFL Draft, selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls, was a crucial part of Bronco’s Super Bowl 50 winning season and holds numerous franchise records. More than his on-field accolades, Thomas is remembered for his impact on the community.

“His legacy as a Bronco extended far beyond the playing field as a caring, generous member of our community,” a statement released by the Broncos said. “D.T. loved giving back – especially spending time with children – and impacted countless lives through the Broncos Boys and Girls Club, hospital visits, his annual football camp and many other genuine interactions. Demaryius’ humility, warmth, kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him.”

Twitter was full of memories of Thomas and condolences by early Friday morning. Former teammates took to social media to express their sadness and disbelief at the loss of their friend.

“D.T. was a better person than he was a player, and he was a Hall of Fame player,” Peyton Manning shared. “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. I texted with D.T. on Tuesday. He was talking about a TD audible we called vs. Arizona in 2014. Absolutely devastated.”

Super Bowl VIII MVP Julian Edelman is going to be sidelined the next three weeks after suffering an injury to his finger, sources have told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Field Yates.

Edelman was spotted at his annual youth camp over the weekend wearing a small brace over his left thumb. It is uncertain whether Edelman suffered a break or sprain to his thumb while catching passes recently.

“I’m extremely excited for the new year. This is a new team,” Edelman said at his camp. “With training camp coming up, this is kind of like when school is back in session. We had a summer break. You get to see all the fellas, and this is where you learn your team, learn each other and become accountable for each other, and create a consistency together. This is like the beginning shape form of your team, these next few weeks. It’s a crucial point. You put a lot of hard work in during the spring and it’s the next step until you’re playing with other teams.”

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With Edelman, Sony Michel, Demaryius Thomas and Josh Gordon all either injured or suspended, the New England Patriots are thin on offense when veterans report to training camp on Wednesday. Part of the reason why is the Patriots used their first-round pick in this year’s draft on Arizona State wide receiver N’Keal Harry.

Edelman, 33, re-signed with the Patriots on a three-year contract this past offseason. As he has been for the last several seasons now, Edelman is expected to be the focal point of the Patriots’ passing game.

The Denver Broncos traded wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans on Tuesday, the NFL trade deadline.

Denver Makes Big wr Moves At NFL Trade Deadline

Denver received a fourth-round pick and also swapped seventh-round picks with Houston. The official trade deadline was Tuesday at 4 p.m. EST. Thomas has been with the Broncos his entire career, going to two Super Bowls and winning one. He’s all second in career receiving yards and touchdowns for the Broncos franchise.

Despite having lost some of his early career burst, 30-year-old Thomas was still a reliable target for quarterback Case Keenum. He was second on the team with 36 receptions and 402 receiving yards. That still wasn’t enough to warrant his $17.53 million cap hit in 2019.

“Demaryius had an incredible run here and we can’t thank him enough for everything he’s meant to the Broncos,” Denver general manager John Elway said in a statement. “He developed into an elite player over the years, establishing himself as one NFL’s most productive, consistent and reliable wide receivers. D.T. was a big part of so many wins and memorable moments as a Bronco. Although it’s tough to end this chapter, we’re excited about the talent we have at the wide receiver position and wish Demaryius all the best with the Texans.”

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

In Houston, Thomas will look to form a solid veteran combo with DeAndre Hopkins. Also, being in a playoff race on a team led by the electrifying Deshaun Watson should help. At 5-3, the Texans are the only team over .500 in a tight division. Thomas, who earned his money in the red zone, will be huge for an offense that often sputtered out when close to scoring.

Denver will turn to rookie Courtland Sutton to lead the offense. Sutton, a second-round pick out of SMU, has turned into a big play threat for the team. Despite playing just 68 percent of snaps, he’s got 17 receptions for 324 yards. Veteran Emmanuel Sanders also remains with the team.

Denver and Houston will play each other next week at Broncos Stadium.

After a series of fire sales involving cornerback Eli Apple and defensive tackle Damon Harrison, the New York Giants are in full rebuild mode after reports involving safety Landon Collins and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. have circulated ahead of the trade deadline on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. EST.

OBJ, Desean Jackson, Demaryius Thomas, Others On Trade Deadline

Collins, a two-time Pro Bowler, has 62 total tackles and four pass breakups in eight games in 2018, has garnered interest from other teams and is reportedly available for a second or third-round pick.

His teammate on the other side of the ball, Beckham Jr., has also been involved in talks, as the Giants have reportedly received “decent” offers for the star wideout. Teams shopping for a premium receiver include the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams, (the Rams pursued Beckham vehemently in the offseason) although Beckham’s huge extension deems much of this as unlikely.

A more affordable option, however, is Demaryius Thomas, who has been specifically targeted by the Pats. Thomas could make a smooth transition into a role with New England, as he played for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels under his head coaching stint with the Broncos in 2010.

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Another option at wideout is Pierre Garcon, who has “at least three teams” in the hunt for his services. The 32-year-old 49ers receiver has caught 21 passes for 230 yards and no touchdowns in seven games with the team, which lost its starting quarterback Jimmy Garropolo earlier this year.

Buccaneers receiver DeSean Jackson has also asked for a trade amidst a collapsing season in Tampa Bay.

Players involved in talks also include Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Browns quarterback Tyrod Taylor, Jaguars QB Cody Kessler, and Broncos linebacker Shane Ray.   

Denver Broncos wide receiver DeMaryius Thomas is one of several people Washington Redskins defensive back Josh Norman criticized in a recent ESPN The Magazine profile.

Demaryius Thomas Takes Shot At Josh Norman With Tweet

The article also described the disintegration of Norman’s relationship with the Panthers, the Redskins team name controversy, his place in the cornerback pecking order, and his never-ending feud with Giants wideout Odell Beckham Jr. 

Thomas was held to just one catch for eight yards on six targets in Super Bowl 50, with Norman in primary coverage on the Broncos star. Although the Broncos won the game and the Panthers play a defense that rarely left Norman alone against Thomas, Norman still decided to take a shot at Thomas, all while bragging about his coverage of the receiver during the Super Bowl.

“I don’t know what he was out there for,” Norman said. “He was supposed to be an all-world guy, and I shut him down.”

Thomas responded with a single tweet, which included a photo of the Super Bowl ring, and the caption “Where yours at young fella?”

Norman is actually 10 days older than Thomas (both are 28), though the latter got his point across and delivered the perfect burn.

Several gifs and memes of Norman like this one arose after the Broncos’ Super Bowl win:

One can only guess Norman will stay quiet after that sharp rebuttal.

DENVER, CO – JANUARY 17: Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos reaches for the ball but comes up short against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 17, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

A long time in the making, Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas had a special fan in the stands during the Broncos’ divisional playoff game yesterday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. That special person was his mother, who attended her first game since being released from prison.

Katina Smith, 43, was acquitted from all her drug charges after President Barack Obama had commuted her and 45 other people who were in prison for non-violent crimes in November. She had to stay in Georgia for another 60 days but finally, she was able to see her son Thomas play in a football game. “It’s very special,” Thomas told the media after the media. “She came out, got to see us win a game, her first time here, her first time seeing me play. It felt great, a really special feeling.”

Thomas caught four passes for 40 yards but caught an important 2-point conversion in the closing seconds of the game to solidify the win for the Broncos. The Broncos will host the New England Patriots next Sunday for the AFC Championship game with a Super Bowl berth on the line for both teams.

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