What was Demaryius Thomas' net worth and salary?
Demaryius Thomas was an American football player who had a net worth of $25 million at the time of his death. Tragically, Demaryius Thomas died on October 9, 2021, at the age of 33.
Over a decade-long NFL career, Thomas established himself as one of the league's most productive and dependable receivers. Drafted 22nd overall by Denver in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech, Thomas overcame early injuries to emerge as the team's top offensive weapon. His combination of size, speed, and strength made him a nightmare for defenders, and he quickly became a favorite target for Peyton Manning during the quarterback's record-setting run with the Broncos. From 2012 to 2016, Thomas recorded five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and four Pro Bowl selections, helping lead Denver to two Super Bowl appearances and a championship victory in Super Bowl 50.
Thomas's career highlight reel includes some of the most memorable plays in recent Broncos history, particularly his 80-yard game-winning touchdown reception from Tim Tebow in overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 playoffs. After eight and a half seasons in Denver, he was traded to the Houston Texans in 2018 and later spent brief stints with the New England Patriots and New York Jets before retiring. Known not only for his on-field talent but also for his humility and kindness, Thomas was beloved by teammates, coaches, and fans alike. His untimely death in 2021 at age 33 shocked the sports world and underscored how deeply respected he was as both an athlete and a person.
Career Earnings
During his NFL career, Demaryius earned $74 million in total salary. His highest single-season salary came in 2016 when he earned $20 million from the Broncos – $13 million in base salary + a $7 million signing bonus.
Early Life
Demaryius Thomas was born on Christmas Day, 1987, in Montrose, Georgia. He attended West Laurens High School and played basketball as well as football. Demaryius Thomas was recruited by Duke, Georgia, and Georgia Tech. He ultimately chose Georgia Tech.
Demaryius Thomas had a breakout season in 2009, with 46 receptions for 1,154 yards and eight touchdowns. He led the Yellow Jackets in receiving in each of his three seasons on the team.

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NFL Career
He declared for the 2010 NFL draft and then broke his foot, making him unable to participate in the combine drills. Demaryius Thomas's Wonderlic score was the second highest amongst wide receivers at 34.
Demaryius Thomas was selected with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. During his NFL debut in 2010 versus the Seattle Seahawks, Thomas had eight receptions for 97 yards and scored one touchdown in his NFL debut against the Seattle Seahawks. He had a great 2011 regular season with 32 receptions for 551 yards and four touchdowns. Demaryius Thomas would go on to have a breakout year in 2012, with 94 receptions for 1,434 yards and 10 touchdowns. During the 2013 regular season, Demaryius Thomas had 92 catches for 1430 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Demaryius played for the Denver Broncos from 2010 – 2018. He played part of the 2018 season for the Houston Texans. In 2019, he played for the New York Jets. He won a Super Bowl with the Broncos in 2016, helping the team defeat the Carolina Panthers at Super Bowl 50.
Contract History
Upon being drafted, he signed a 5-year $12 million deal with the Broncos. In 2015, he signed a 5-year $70 million deal with the Broncos.
Death
On December 9, 2021, Demaryius Thomas was found dead at his home in Roswell, Georgia, just a few months after retiring from the NFL. He was 33 years old. Authorities initially believed he may have died from a medical issue related to a seizure disorder that had developed following a 2019 car accident. His family later confirmed that Thomas had been suffering from frequent seizures in the years after the crash.
In 2022, researchers from Boston University's CTE Center revealed that Thomas had been posthumously diagnosed with Stage 2 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. Although the CTE itself did not directly cause his death, doctors suggested it likely contributed to his cognitive decline, mood changes, and other health challenges in his final years.
Thomas's passing sent shockwaves through the NFL community. Former teammates, coaches, and fans across the country mourned his loss, remembering him as a gentle, generous person off the field and one of the most dominant receivers of his era. The Denver Broncos honored him with a pregame tribute and helmet decals during the 2021 season, ensuring that his legacy as both a champion and a beloved teammate would never be forgotten.
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