The Denver Broncos 23-16 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was even more special not only because it landed them a trip to the AFC Championship, but also because they had a special guest in the building. After six seasons in the NFL, Demariyus Thomas’ mom Katina Smith saw him play in person for the first time.
Smith was sentenced to 20 years in prison back in 2000 on a drug-trafficking charge. She was among 46 prisoners whose sentences were commuted by President Barack Obama. She was released from prison to a halfway house in November. She was in Georgia and wasn’t allowed to travel for 60 days. As soon as it was up, she made the trip to Denver to watch her son play professional football in person for the first time.
Following the win, Peyton Manning handed Thomas – who caught four passes for 40 yards and one 2-point conversion – the game ball and he in turn gave the ball to his mother.
“It’s very special,” Thomas said according to ESPN. “She came out, got to see us win a game, her first time here, her first time seeing me play. It felt great, a really special feeling.”
*photos in gallery above*
