Ex-Patriot Demaryius Thomas Had CTE, Boston University Experts Find

BOSTON, MA — Former NFL wide receiver Demaryius Thomas had State 2 CTE before his death in 2021, researchers announced this week.

Researchers at Boston University's CTE Center announced the posthumous discovery on Tuesday, making Thomas, who had a brief stint with the Patriots in 2019, the latest former football player to suffer symptoms of the brain disease.

The family released the findings of Thomas' brain study through the Concussion Legacy Foundation, which arranged his brain donation to the CTE Center.

"Once I became aware of CTE and began to familiarize myself with the symptoms, I noticed that Demaryius was isolating himself and I saw other changes in him," said Katina Smith, Demaryius’ mother, in a news release. "He was just so young, and it was horrible to see him struggle. His father and I hope all families learn the risks of playing football. We don’t want other parents to have to lose their children like we did."

Ann McKee is the director of the CTE Center, and made the diagnosis. She confirmed the finding in a news release, but also pondered the future of football.

"The question I keep asking myself is 'When will enough be enough?' When will athletes, parents and the public at large stop ignoring the risks of American football and insist that the game be changed to reduce subconcussive hits and that the athletes be comprehensively evaluated at the beginning and end of every season," asked McKee.

According to the foundation and Thomas' family, the late receiver suffered from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and memory issues before his death, all symptoms of CTE.

In an interview with Good Morning America, Thomas' family noted that his death was unrelated to CTE, but can be blamed on cardiac arrest caused by a separate seizure disorder.

The Concussion Legacy Foundation added additional context.

"There has been speculation his death may be related to an epileptic seizure. Although late-stage CTE can be associated with epilepsy, it is far more likely that he developed post-traumatic epilepsy after a motor vehicle accident and fall he experienced several years before his death," a news release said.

Thomas, who spent nine years with the Denver Broncos, died in December 2021 at 33. His death sent shockwaves through the league, including in the Patriots community.

"Devastating news. I only played with DT for a couple weeks, but he immediately made an impression. Will be missed by many," former Patriot Julian Edelman said.