Demaryius Thomas thanks President Obama for mom's pardon

ESPN logo
Tuesday, June 7, 2016

While the Denver Broncos were honored at the White House Monday for winning Super Bowl 50, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas had a special message for President Obama. Thank you.

Thomas's mother, Katina Smith, was pardoned in July by Obama as a nonviolent drug offender.

Smith served 15 years in prison after receiving a 20-year sentence in 2000 for being part of a cocaine distribution operation.

"I talked to him for a quick second. I told him, "Thank you for helping my family,' " Thomas said. "We talked about my mother and we also talked about my grandmother."

Thomas' grandmother, Minnie Pearl Thomas who had two previous drug convictions, is serving two life sentences for leading the operation.

In February, Smith attended Super Bowl 50 and saw her son's team defeat the Carolina Panthers 24-10.

Thomas also had a thank you letter given to the president that was delivered by a team official.

Related Video