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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- **Every member of the 2015 Broncos who attended Monday's ceremony wanted to meet President Obama.
Demaryius Thomas wanted to say something more: "Thank you."
Last summer, Obama granted clemency to Thomas' mother, Katina Smith. That led to her eventual release and the chance to watch Thomas play in person for the first time during the Broncos' postseason run in January and February.
From interacting with Wounded Warriors to meeting the president of the United States, the Broncos' visit to the White House was a memorable experience. (photos by Ben Swanson
"We talked for a quick second. I told him 'Thank you for what you've done for my family,' for giving my mother clemency," Thomas said.
The three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver passed along a handwritten thank-you note through the team's vice president of public relations, Patrick Smyth. Thomas said the note also conveyed a message of gratitude for his mother for having her sentence commuted.
Smith was one of 46 non-violent drug-related offenders who had their prison sentences commuted last year.
But now Thomas' focus has turned to his grandmother, Minnie Pearl Thomas, who remains in prison. Thomas said he and Obama discussed her situation during a 45-second conversation as the Broncos lined up to meet Obama.
"Also he talked about my grandmother, and the application to get everything done, and he's looking into that to try to help her out, as well," Thomas said.
