Demaryius Thomas Ready To Lead, Aims To Have An Even Better Season
DENVER (CBS4) - Demaryius Thomas says he's lighter, faster, and ready for football.
The Broncos star receiver told reporters on Friday morning that he is thankful to the Denver Broncos and to his agent for negotiating a deal that works for both sides.
Thomas signed a $70 million contract this week ($43.5 million of that is guaranteed) after holding out of the Broncos offseason workouts.
"I knew something was going to get done, so I just let my agent handle it. I think my main focus was to be in better shape than I was in last year because I want to have a better than I had last year," Thomas told reporters.
The five-year deal was reached just before the league's deadline for NFL players who had franchise tags to sign long-term deals, and it could mean Thomas will be a Bronco for the rest of his career.
While his season last year was among the best in the league (111 catches, 1619 receiving yards, 11 TDs), Thomas says he is gunning to be even better in his sixth year.
"I watched some games that I played and there were some where I took a play or two off and missed a couple of blocks," he said. "That's my main focus right now. Not having drops and to not take any plays off. If I have to take a play off, I should just get out."
Thomas says he's planning on playing at a lighter weight this year and thinks he's a bit faster. He also says he is interested in being a stronger leader than he had been.
"I'm a quiet guy and don't say much, but old guys like Champ (Bailey) and Brian Dawkins were telling me I need to step up, and Shannon Sharpe (told) me to step up and be a leader," he said. "When I hear that from those guys, it really means something. I need to step up and have the guys listen to me."
Thomas says he is hoping he can lead the Broncos to a Super Bowl win.
- The Denver Broncos provided the text of the quotes in this article.
