North Fulton Today

Former Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets star and two-time National Football League All-Pro Demaryius Thomas was found dead in his home at age 33, according to a Georgia Tech press release.

Thomas, also known as “Bay Bay,” was born on Christmas Day, 1987 and was recognized for his community work, especially with youth programs.

"I know I speak on behalf of the entire Georgia Tech football family when I say that we are heartbroken by the news of Demaryius’s passing," Yellowjackets coach Geoff Collins said on the school's website. "I first got to know Bay Bay during his recruiting process and was fortunate to be a member of the Tech football staff during his true freshman season in 2006. We have grown increasingly closer through the years. I will always remember what a thrill it was for our players when he was able to stop by and spend some time with us during fall camp this past August. Bay Bay was truly one of my favorite people. I will miss him terribly."

Thomas ranks sixth in Georgia Tech football history with 113 receptions, 2,135 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns over three seasons. He also holds the university record for second-highest single-season receiving average with 25.1 yards per reception, a feat he accomplished as a junior in 2009.

"I was devastated to learn the news late last night of Demaryius’s passing," Georgia Tech director of athletics Todd Stansbury said on the school's website. "He was an inspiration not just to the Georgia Tech family, but to anyone who knew his story and the obstacles that he overcame in his life. He touched so many lives, not just as a football player, but as a caring and compassionate human being who always put others before himself. He made the world a better place. On behalf of the Georgia Tech athletics family, I offer our deepest and most sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved Demaryius. May they find comfort and may he rest in peace."

Thomas became only the 12th first-round draft pick in Georgia Tech history when the Denver Broncos selected him with the 22nd overall pick in the 2010 Draft. He would go on to play 10 seasons in the NFL. Eight-and-a-half of those seasons would be for the Broncos and he still holds 16 Broncos franchise records, including setting the current Broncos record for single-season receiving yards at 1,619 in 2014. Thomas was a two-time NFL All-Pro selection.