The NFL community was rocked last week by the news of the sudden death of former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. The 10-year veteran, who announced his retirement from the NFL in June, would have turned 34 on Christmas.
Preliminary reports, according to police, suggested Thomas' death might have resulted from a medical issue.
Not long after the news broke, heartfelt tributes started pouring in from Thomas' teammates, coaches and fans alike.
Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning -- who connected with Thomas for his NFL all-time record-breaking 509th touchdown pass -- released a statement early on Friday morning reading, "DT was a better person than he was a player, and he was a Hall of Fame player.