The spirit of Demaryius Thomas still lingers inside the Denver Broncos Boys and Girls Club. 

“His energy was just explosive,” Malcinia “Nina” Conley told The Denver Gazette on Tuesday.  

Conley, an education specialist, has worked in various roles at the Denver Broncos Boys and Girls Club since it opened in 2003. She recalls when Thomas first began visiting the club located in northeast Denver as a rookie in 2010. Thomas logged hundreds of volunteer hours over his nine seasons playing in Denver. 

“Wherever he went, the excitement went,” Conley said. “He would get the kids hyped up. But he constantly stayed hyped up.” 

In 2021, Thomas died as the result of seizure disorder complications. He was 33. On Tuesday, the Denver Broncos Boys and Girls Club honored his legacy with “88 Day” hosted by the team. 

About a dozen Broncos’ alumni — including Steve Atwater (1989-98), David Bruton (2009-15), Nick Ferguson (2003-07) and Randy Gradishar (1974-83) — gathered for an afternoon of activities with the kids. They led flag football drills. They played soccer and basketball. Kids signed a giant banner with photos of Thomas at the Boys and Girls Club throughout the years. 

“Seeing pictures of D.T. in there and knowing what this place meant to him. The time and energy that he spent here to help the kids, grow with the kids, and motivate them to be successful — it’s amazing that we’re out here and being able to commemorate D.T.,” Bruton said. “I think it was instilled in him at such a young age. … It was just who he was from his rookie year on (volunteering) here and going to other Boys and Girls Clubs.” 

Bruton added that Thomas even volunteered while rehabbing from a torn Achilles.  

“He would have been the first one here and the last one to leave,” Bruton said. “To make sure every kid got a chance to give him a high-five or show him a smile. Just have a conversation with him. That’s the type of guy he was. … I think his spirit is here. How we honor him is not just by being here but playing with the kids and interacting with them. Going out there and playing soccer or throwing the football with them.” 

The Broncos are hosting an alumni weekend for their upcoming game Sunday against the Giants at Empower Field. It marks the 10-year reunion of their Super Bowl 50-winning team. Bruton was teammates with Thomas when they took home the Lombardi Trophy after the 2015 season. 

Thomas finished his career as the Broncos’ second-leading receiver (9,055 yards) and third in catches (655). Bruton shared his favorite Thomas memories from behind the scenes. 

“I remember when he would get a tattoo, and I’d give him a hard time,” Bruton recalled. “He had just got off injury, and he’d gained just a little weight, and I always gave him crap about it. But he always took it as good fun. … He was just a good, free spirit in the locker room. Went about his business and worked hard. But also worked hard in the community. That’s something you’ll always remember, right? 

“His legacy was beyond what he did between the lines. His legacy was definitely what he did in the state of Colorado.” 

Conley has vivid memories of Thomas wearing a Santa Claus suit during Christmas parties at the Boys and Girls Club. What motivated Thomas to pass out gifts to kids? 

“Probably because of his experience when he was younger, and the things he went through. He knew the importance of giving,” Conley told The Denver Gazette. “To see the smile on a child’s face. To see the gratefulness and to see the happiness of that.” 

Conley relishes it when the Broncos visit the Boys and Girls Club. Thomas is gone. But his memory still lives among the players who interact with their kids today. 

“It’s like a family reunion,” Conley said.