“Even if you grow up around drugs and violence, you’ll make it out” – When Demaryius Thomas penned a heartfelt letter before untimely death

Fans were shocked over the passing of former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas in December last year. Before his passing, the late wideout wrote a letter back in 2015 that has come to mind.

In that letter he wrote for The Players Tribune, Thomas spoke of love and optimism regarding life.

"As men, as athletes especially, we don’t like to talk about love. We talk about brotherhood and all that, but not love. But it’s the most important thing in a child’s life. More important than the kind of school you go to, or what neighborhood you live in, or even if you grow up around drugs and violence. If you are loved, you’ll make it out."

The heartfelt letter was dedicated to Thomas' mother, Katina Smith. At the time of the letter, former President Obama commuted her sentence and she was freed after 15 years in prison. Thomas spoke of his mother and her sentence getting commuted in the emotional letter.

Thomas said:

"Recently, I’ve been getting asked a lot of questions about my mother. It’s a little bit overwhelming. Her story is complicated. But this is what I want you to know about my mamma: She loved me. That’s the most important thing in the world."

Smith lost her son last year but was able to see him play in an NFL game, something Thomas wished for.

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What was the cause of death for Demaryius Thomas?

Per an autopsy report from the Fulton County (Georgia) Medical Examiner's office, the cause of death for Demaryius Thomas is due to "complications of a seizure disorder." He was found unresponsive at his home in Roswell, Georgia, passing away at the age of 33.

Thomas' mother, Smith and father, Bobby Thomas, donated their son's brain for research after his passing.

In an exclusive interview with ABC News, the parents said they learned that their son was afflicted with Stage Two of CTE. His death was also caused by an unrelated seizure disorder that led to cardiac arrest.

His family said:

"Cardiac arrest, you know, is the way that they're trying to say -- what kinda happened to him."

The former Denver Broncos star would have turned 34 on Christmas Day this year. It will be the first Christmas without Demaryius Thomas for his family.

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If you use any of the above quotes, please credit The Players Tribune, Good Morning America, and H/T Sportskeeda.