DUBLIN, Ga. — The people in Laurens County remember how Demaryius Thomas made an impact on the Dublin community. On Friday, student-athletes, coaches, and parents came to honor the former Denver Bronco at Oconee Gym.
From a balloon release to the unveiling of a plaque, Thomas Walker and Theresa Holiday remember "BayBay" as someone who spoke about life after football.
"His calling in life was to work with less fortunate people in the community and get things done in the areas. He chose this local area because he lived here," Walker said.
BayBay graduated from West Laurens High School in 2006 and went on to play college football for Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). He was later drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2010 and played with them for almost 8 seasons.
Walker coached Thomas with his own kids growing up. He says he remembers when the #88 player would come back during the off-season to shoot hoops at Oconee Gym in Dublin.
"He would play ball with the kids and he'll play ball with some of the high school kids and tell him about the things and dreams and different things they wanted to accomplish," Walker said.
Thomas died on December 9, 2021. He had just retired 6 months before. The same kids Thomas made a difference in, wanted to do something in honor of the impact he had on them.
"Today's event was designed for us to continuously give our flowers back to Demaryius Thomas on his anniversary of transitioning home," Holliday said.
Holliday worked with Walker to collaborate on the ceremony at Oconee Gym. She says she appreciated the impact BayBay has on the Dublin community and it's important for men to help the younger men know the importance of giving back.
"No matter what we do in life, no matter where we come from that the community and your people still love you and want to continuously remember you in legacy," Holliday said.
Walker hopes Thomas' family knows he'll be with them in spirit at the ceremony.
"Even though we don't see him here, that spiritually he can touch everybody, so I'm hoping today that he is touching them, comforting them, and what they're going through today," Walker said.