Demaryius Thomas’ sudden death leaves former Jets teammates stunned

The NFL world is reeling after the sudden death of former Pro Bowl receiver Demaryius Thomas at age 33 late Thursday night, including in the New York Jets locker room where Thomas spent the final days of his remarkable career.

Thomas was found dead in his home in Roswell, Georgia, on Thursday night. Police said that preliminary reports show Thomas might have died from a medical issue.

Thomas was traded to the Jets from the Patriots after Week 1 of the 2019 season and played only one year with the team. But he made a huge impact in the locker room.

MORE REACTION: NFL world left “devastated” by death of Demaryius Thomas

WHAT WE KNOW: No cause of death released, autopsy to be performed

“This one hurts,” Jets receiver Braxton Berrios tweeted Friday. “DT was one of the most genuine, kind-hearted people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Taken way too soon..Rest easy DT.”

“I thank you for all our talks!!” Safety Marcus Maye wrote on Twitter. “You touched so many people! You will be missed by us all.”

Jets coach Robert Saleh never worked directly with Thomas. But Saleh said it was well known around the league the kind of player and person Thomas was.

“Just an absolute tragedy,” Saleh said Friday morning, adding that it was always a challenge preparing to face him when he was an assistant coach with the Seahawks. “I’ve heard he’s an unbelievable pro. They produced a lot when he was at Denver. A lot of wars in Seattle too, a lot of playing those guys. Just a shame. And I’m sure there are a lot of hurt hearts in the football community for sure.”

The Jets posted a photo of Thomas in his Jets uniform on social media with an accompanying statement.

“A brilliant career on the field with a light that always shone brighter off it,” the statement read. “Gone way too soon. But your impact remains. Rest in Peace, Demaryius.”

Thomas’ accomplishments alone would have given him instant credibility with his teammates….