What happened to Demaryius Thomas? Did he die because of CTE?

While talking about CTE on Joe Rogan's podcast, Antonio Brown brought up the sad death of ex-Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas.

What happened to Demaryius Thomas? Did he die because of CTE?

Antonio Brown and Demaryius Thomas (Image via IMAGO/ESPN)

Demaryius Thomas will go down as one of the best wide receivers in Denver Broncos history. On December 9, 2021, Thomas was found dead at his home in Roswell, Georgia, at just 33 years old. Later, reports revealed Thomas, or DT, died due to medical complications that resembled CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Thomas’ family donated his brain to Boston University for evaluation. After doing a thorough examination of the brain, the doctors surmised Brown had CTE due to repeated trauma to the head.

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown is one of the former NFL players believed to have CTE. Brown has never denied it, but there’s no way for anyone to confirm it.

Earlier this year, Brown appeared on the Joe Rogan podcast and discussed the horrors of CTE.

I feel like to me, I always knew, like, the game was going to come to an end. And I feel like [to me], I always played the game smart as a receiver, not putting myself in bad positions getting hit.

Antonio Brown told Joe Rogan

Brown took Demaryius Thomas’ name as someone who he believed was a victim of CTE.

Rest in peace to Demaryius Thomas—one of the ex-receivers who came in the NFL around the [same] time I came in. I had a chance to see him experience some of that CTE trauma.

Antonio Brown said

How did Demaryius Thomas die?

Thomas was found unconscious at his residence in Roswell, Georgia. The paramedics took him to the nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. According to his parents, Thomas would often have seizures, which is considered a symptom of CTE.

What happened to Demaryius Thomas? Did he die because of CTE?
Demaryius Thomas (Image via ESPN)

CNN spoke with former Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning after Thomas’ passing.

[Demaryius] 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. [I am] absolutely devasted.

Peyton Manning said in 2021

Manning and Thomas were part of the Broncos team that lifted the Super Bowl in 2015 by defeating the Carolina Panthers.

Demaryius Thomas played nine seasons for the Broncos, Houston Texans, and the New York Jets. He logged 724 receptions for 9736 yards and 63 touchdowns in 143 appearances. Thomas was a 2x All-Pro and 5x Pro Bowler. 2014 turned out to be his best year in football, going 111 receptions for 1619 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Brown revealed that he could relate to Thomas’ struggles and believed that his friend had CTE.

[CTE] a real thing. It’s real. And not only just from the hits you take but like you said, the aftermath of your career… I feel like we all have traumas in our lives no matter if you play sports or not. It just weighs an awareness of getting men with therapy and being able to work on yourself so you could have a better life.

Antonio Brown told Joe Rogan

Thomas wasn’t the only former football player who allegedly succumbed to the dreaded CTE. According to Brown, Vontae Davis, who died in April 2024 in his home gym in Southwest Ranches, Florida, was also experiencing similar problems in his life. Even after a year of research, the doctors haven’t been able to pinpoint the cause of Davis’ death. He was the younger brother of ex-San Francisco 49ers, Broncos, and Washington Commanders tight end Vernon Davis.

Vontae Davis spent a decade playing for the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills. Davis appeared in 121 games, recording 395 combined (344 solo and 51 assisted) tackles, 2 sacks, 98 pass deflections, 22 interceptions, and even scoring one touchdown.

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