Demaryius Thomas will mark more than a game Sunday when the Broncos kick off in a must-win game against the Chiefs in Kansas City. It is also Christmas day. And that means it is also Thomas’ birthday.

Born in a single-story house in tiny Montrose, Ga., a rural town halfway between Atlanta and Savannah, Thomas’ Christmases growing up were decidedly warmer than those in Denver or Kansas City. Playing football on Dec. 25 might be strange for the Broncos’ veteran wide receiver, but he’s long been used to celebrating a birthday and Christmas at the same time.

In the Broncos’ first meeting against Kansas City this season, Thomas had five catches for 60 yards. His partner, Emmanuel Sanders, caught seven passes for 162 yards. And quarterback Trevor Siemian threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns.

But Denver lost that game in overtime. Thomas talked to reporters this week about celebrating a birthday on Dec. 25 and facing the Chiefs in a crucial game:

Q: You ever play on your birthday before?

A: First time.

Q: What do you think it will be like?

A: You never know. We’ll find out. I know it’s going to be cold. But it’s my first time.

Q: What’s it like being a Christmas baby?

A: It’s not the best, but it’s not bad either. You feel cool sometimes, but you get robbed when you’re a kid. They used to hit me with “Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas.” I was just like, ‘OK.’

But then as I got older, I was like, you used to get a gift and then you would get Christmas on my birthday. The part that bothers me is when you have to buy gifts for other people on your birthday. I’m still trying to get over that. I’m buying Christmas gifts, but it’s my birthday.



Q: You buying gifts for teammates?

A: No.

Q: Did Brandon McManus set the bar too high giving everybody onesies?

A: Well, it’s my birthday. Maybe I’ll buy them gifts for New Year’s, but not my birthday.

Q: Why was the offense so effective against Kansas City last game in the second half?

A: I think it was better execution. We didn’t really turn over the ball, we took care of the ball. And we took advantage of short fields when we had them.

Q: You put up some big numbers against them.

A: Yeah, I think as a team we should have won that game. But we have a lot of confidence right now. We know what we need to do. First off, it’s taking care of the ball and not getting turnovers. And then going off of that.

Q: As a team captain, did you have to set the locker room straight between the defense and the offense?

A: It’s not just setting them straight. Sometimes you have to be silent and just let it blow over. I’m one of those guys, you be silent and get the guys on your side of the ball working. Get our confidence back and make sure we go back, play as a team and get better.