NFL News: Five-Time Pro Bowl Wideout Announces Retirement, Signs 10-Day Contract With Broncos

AUGUST 11: Denver Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) runs out of the tunnel during the Denver Broncos vs. Minnesota Vikings preseason game on August 11, 2018 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, CO. Photo by Kyle Emery/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

KEY POINTS

Demaryius Thomas has called it a career
He will sign a 10-day contract with the Broncos to cap it all off
Thomas amassed 9,055 yards and 60 touchdowns in his 10-year career

Demaryius Thomas has retired from the NFL after 10 years.

The wide receiver has announced that he’ll be signing a 10-day contract with the Denver Broncos, the team where he spent eight of his 10 seasons in the league.

“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

He was drafted in the first round with the 22nd pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, and it took him quite a while to find his footing. When he did, he was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.

Thomas’ career saw him be a part of the Broncos’ winningest four-year period in team history from 2012 to 2015.

Led by Peyton Manning at quarterback, the Broncos had a record of 55 wins and 17 losses, two AFC championships, and a victory in Super Bowl 50.

“DT” exploded for four consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, with Manning targeting him and making the catch every single time.

He scored a career-high 14 touchdowns in the same year that saw the Broncos smash their all-time record for points with 606 in the 2013 season.

The biggest and most prolific catch of his career came in 2012 with Tim Tebow at quarterback in their AFC wildcard game on January 8, 2012 against the Pittsburgh Steelers where they connected on an 80-yard bomb on the first snap of the overtime period to beat the Steelers, 29-23.

“It was like it was yesterday. Every time I see it, every time I watch it, I still get the chills because it was just crazy,” said Thomas, reliving the moment in the video above.

Denver’s home opener against the New York Jets on September 26 will see Thomas as the honorary captain, according to Adam Schefter.

Former Broncos’ WR Demaryius Thomas, the second leading receiver in franchise history, announced his retirement from the NFL. Thomas will serve as an honorary captain and be recognized with a video tribute during the Broncos’ home opener against the Jets on Sunday, Sept. 26.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 28, 2021

He played for the Houston Texans after being traded from the Broncos but tore his Achilles tendon in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

He was then released and signed by the New England Patriots, where he was released again and then subsequently traded to the New York Jets.

Thomas went unsigned during the 2020 season.

For his illustrious career, Thomas received five Pro Bowl nods and two all-Pro second team selections.

He will retire behind Rod Smith as the No. 2 receiver in Broncos history with 665 receptions and amassing 9,055 yards and 60 touchdowns throughout his career.