The Lead
As the Rams and Cardinals took the field for a 'Monday Night Football' matchup, several players did so with heavy hearts as they mourned their former teammate and friend, Demaryius Thomas.
Thomas, who passed away tragically on Thursday at the age of 33, had been teammates with Rams outside linebacker Von Miller and Cardinals kicker Matt Prater for several years during their stints with the Broncos. Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins also played with Thomas for a brief time when the two were on the Texans.
Miller and Thomas particularly had a close bond, as they were first-round draft picks by the Broncos in back-to-back years. The two then spent the next eight seasons together with the Broncos, helping the team to tremendous success, including a Super Bowl 50 title.
After Thomas' passing, Miller paid tribute by adding a No. 88 decal to his helmet in Thomas' memory. In an Instagram post displaying the decal, Miller wrote, "88 4 L ETERNAL," and he changed his avatar to an image of Thomas.
Hopkins and Prater also wore No. 88 decals on their helmets.
