NFL’s Demaryius Thomas hopes mother can see him play in person for first time

ajc.com


Demaryius Thomas refers to his mother as “my everything.”

But for the past 15 years, Katina Smith has been serving a federal prison sentence for drug trafficking. Smith has missed her son’s entire football career, from his standout career at Georgia Tech to his current position with the Denver Broncos, where he’s a three-time Pro Bowler.

President Obama commuted Smith's sentence, which prompted an early release on Nov. 10. She was originally scheduled to be released from prison in 2017.

Travel restrictions prevent Smith from seeing her son play in person until this weekend.

Thomas hopes his mother can see him play when the Broncos (12-4) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-6) on Sunday.

When his mother does attend a game, Thomas knows it will be an emotional event for all involved.

He told the Associated Press that the reunion "would mean a lot. This would be her first game. I'll be excited. She'll be excited."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.