BroadwayVik
Active member
May Julius' ankle and entire career experience a re-birth this upcoming season. May he heal beautifully. :clap: :nod: :thumb: Go get 'em #80...!!
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Julius Thomas
- Thread starter forestgreen
- Start date
DustRunner
Active member
Looks like JT was named to the Broncos' 53-man roster.
Also, I was in Denver last week for the 49ers game, and I'm not sure if I saw him in one single play (which sucked, because I was looking for him the entire time). Then, he didn't play much last night against Arizona (of course, I only watched one half), and dropped a pass. With Virgil Green suspended for the first 4-6 games from a drug suspension, I expect to see JT as the #3 TE behind Dressen and Tamme. Not bad, considering that both of those guys can really tear it up (perhaps JT can learn a few things from them and keep improving). S
Also, I was in Denver last week for the 49ers game, and I'm not sure if I saw him in one single play (which sucked, because I was looking for him the entire time). Then, he didn't play much last night against Arizona (of course, I only watched one half), and dropped a pass. With Virgil Green suspended for the first 4-6 games from a drug suspension, I expect to see JT as the #3 TE behind Dressen and Tamme. Not bad, considering that both of those guys can really tear it up (perhaps JT can learn a few things from them and keep improving). S
Q: Can you please provide an update on Julius Thomas? Two years ago he was the talk of training camp, and it appeared that he would be a red-zone matchup nightmare for the opposing defenses. I know he has had some injuries, mainly his ankle. But my question to you is have the Broncos given up on Thomas? Or, are they still optimistic that Thomas may be able to contribute?
A: Scott, of the Broncos players who have not had a significant amount of playing time over the last two seasons, Thomas easily draws the most interest among folks kind enough to send along the questions each day.
And it may be just that untapped potential Thomas showed in his first training camp — in the weeks following the 2011 draft. In John Elway's first two years as the team's executive vice president of football operations, the team added two tight ends, either in free agency or the draft.
In 2011, the Broncos selected both Thomas and Virgil Green in the draft — Thomas in the fourth round, Green in the seventh.
Thomas was considered a project who had shown enormous athletic potential after a four-year basketball career at Portland State. He played just one season of college football, but consistently showed scouts the kind of athleticism and hands they want at the position.
The Broncos were just one of many teams who had that high a grade on Thomas before the '11 draft. And his rookie season was lost because of an ankle injury, an injury he then had repaired following his rookie season, in early April.
Also, last March the Broncos signed Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen in free agency, each to three-year deals, each with a $2.5 million signing bonus (Tamme's deal was for $9 million overall and Dreessen's for $8.5 million).
And the pair's playing time was in line with that financial commitment last season.
Dreessen led the way at the position with 853 snaps on offense in the regular season. And his playing time picked up steam as the year wore on, having played at least 59 snaps in each of the last five regular-season games to go with 70 in the playoff loss to the Ravens.
Tamme played 528 snaps for the year, but had 29, 11, 27 and 34 in the last four games of the regular season to go with 20 snaps against the Ravens. So, the Broncos clearly like Dreessen's receiver-blocker combination more as they leaned toward a more three-wide receiver look — with Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas and Brandon Stokley down the stretch.
And with Wes Welker's addition, those totals aren't going down.
When Tamme played, he was in the slot plenty. And Green, who the Broncos like on run downs in the two-tight end look, finished the year with 176 snaps.
But it is in that receiver-blocker mode where Thomas can still carve out some playing time, and the Broncos have plenty of expectations for him to do that. Coach John Fox made it a point to say that publicly last week at the league meetings.
Asked a question about some of the Broncos' younger players the team wants to have bigger roles, Fox said:
"Like Julius Thomas ... but he got hurt, missed time and then everybody moves ahead. Towards the end, even though he's having great practices and you like him, as a coach it's hard to get him a uniform on game day. There's a guy that virtually I don't think anybody knows about, but he's a young guy that's going to be a good player."
And it wasn't just lip service. The Broncos still think Thomas can have some kind of role in their offense, and he is in a group of players they want to see take the next step.
After coming back from ankle surgery, he played just two snaps on offense all season — one against Atlanta, one against Oakland to go with 14 snaps on special teams — when Green was serving a four-game suspension.
There is an element of bad timing to his career so far with the lockout having wiped out what would have been his first offseason program in '11, having injured his ankle on his first NFL reception and then losing his second offseason program because he didn't have surgery until last April.
So, essentially he is a guy who played just one year of college football who has yet to go through his team's full offseason program. This year's offseason work is huge for Thomas. The Broncos' decision-makers still think he can find a way on to the field.
Read more: Broncos still see potential in tight end Julius Thomas - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_22867025/broncos-still-see-potential-tight-end-julius-thomas#ixzz2OhLqiknl" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Follow us: @Denverpost on Twitter | Denverpost on Facebook
A: Scott, of the Broncos players who have not had a significant amount of playing time over the last two seasons, Thomas easily draws the most interest among folks kind enough to send along the questions each day.
And it may be just that untapped potential Thomas showed in his first training camp — in the weeks following the 2011 draft. In John Elway's first two years as the team's executive vice president of football operations, the team added two tight ends, either in free agency or the draft.
In 2011, the Broncos selected both Thomas and Virgil Green in the draft — Thomas in the fourth round, Green in the seventh.
Thomas was considered a project who had shown enormous athletic potential after a four-year basketball career at Portland State. He played just one season of college football, but consistently showed scouts the kind of athleticism and hands they want at the position.
The Broncos were just one of many teams who had that high a grade on Thomas before the '11 draft. And his rookie season was lost because of an ankle injury, an injury he then had repaired following his rookie season, in early April.
Also, last March the Broncos signed Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen in free agency, each to three-year deals, each with a $2.5 million signing bonus (Tamme's deal was for $9 million overall and Dreessen's for $8.5 million).
And the pair's playing time was in line with that financial commitment last season.
Dreessen led the way at the position with 853 snaps on offense in the regular season. And his playing time picked up steam as the year wore on, having played at least 59 snaps in each of the last five regular-season games to go with 70 in the playoff loss to the Ravens.
Tamme played 528 snaps for the year, but had 29, 11, 27 and 34 in the last four games of the regular season to go with 20 snaps against the Ravens. So, the Broncos clearly like Dreessen's receiver-blocker combination more as they leaned toward a more three-wide receiver look — with Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas and Brandon Stokley down the stretch.
And with Wes Welker's addition, those totals aren't going down.
When Tamme played, he was in the slot plenty. And Green, who the Broncos like on run downs in the two-tight end look, finished the year with 176 snaps.
But it is in that receiver-blocker mode where Thomas can still carve out some playing time, and the Broncos have plenty of expectations for him to do that. Coach John Fox made it a point to say that publicly last week at the league meetings.
Asked a question about some of the Broncos' younger players the team wants to have bigger roles, Fox said:
"Like Julius Thomas ... but he got hurt, missed time and then everybody moves ahead. Towards the end, even though he's having great practices and you like him, as a coach it's hard to get him a uniform on game day. There's a guy that virtually I don't think anybody knows about, but he's a young guy that's going to be a good player."
And it wasn't just lip service. The Broncos still think Thomas can have some kind of role in their offense, and he is in a group of players they want to see take the next step.
After coming back from ankle surgery, he played just two snaps on offense all season — one against Atlanta, one against Oakland to go with 14 snaps on special teams — when Green was serving a four-game suspension.
There is an element of bad timing to his career so far with the lockout having wiped out what would have been his first offseason program in '11, having injured his ankle on his first NFL reception and then losing his second offseason program because he didn't have surgery until last April.
So, essentially he is a guy who played just one year of college football who has yet to go through his team's full offseason program. This year's offseason work is huge for Thomas. The Broncos' decision-makers still think he can find a way on to the field.
Read more: Broncos still see potential in tight end Julius Thomas - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_22867025/broncos-still-see-potential-tight-end-julius-thomas#ixzz2OhLqiknl" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Follow us: @Denverpost on Twitter | Denverpost on Facebook
DustRunner
Active member
Good to see that Coach Fox thinks JT can carve out a niche next year.
Klee: For Broncos' tight end Julius Thomas, faith drives his football
http://gazette.com/klee-for-broncos-tight-end-julius-thomas-faith-drives-his-football/article/1504067" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
ENGLEWOOD - In a sport that thrives on violence, Julius Thomas takes a road less traveled. He is a thinker, a reader.
Problem is, he's had way too much time to think and read. For most of his first two season with the Broncos, the imposing tight end has been injured. So Thomas dived into a pair of books.
His Broncos playbook.
"If there was a bright side to being hurt," Thomas said, "it was being able to learn the game."
And his Bible.
"There's a verse - 2 Timothy, 6-7 - that I read a lot."
The verse says: "For the Spirit (that) God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
On a Sunday, when the NFL is king, this is a story about an NFL tight end with Bible ties, not gang ties, and Thomas knows that won't move the needle.
"If I had to make a quick assumption as to why Christian athletes aren't as popular, it's because that's not what people want to see," Thomas told me after practice Friday.
"That doesn't sell newspapers and magazines. As athletes, the big stories are when we do something wrong."
Part of the intrigue in training camp is trying to identify the next breakout player.
Is it Montee Ball, the rookie running back?
Is it Derek Wolfe, the defensive end with a nasty streak, or David Bruton, a candidate to assume a starting spot at safety?
Is it Thomas, the former college basketball player?
Whether it's a power forward who rattles the backboard in a basketball game or a tight end that demands a double-team, certain athletes grab your attention at first sight.
Thomas is one of those.
On a Broncos roster with its share of unusual storylines, his story is striking.
For one, Thomas didn't play football from his freshman year of high school until his senior year of college - seven years. Instead, he played basketball.
Yet the Broncos drafted him in the fourth round in 2011.
For another, Thomas has one career reception, for 5 yards, in two seasons in the NFL.
So in this training camp, why is Thomas mostly working with the first-team offense - Peyton Manning's offense?
That tells us the Broncos see something the football world hasn't seen yet. This is a team built for a Super Bowl championship. The Broncos wouldn't be wasting time, or reps, on a tight end if they didn't believe he could make a big impact.
During a 7-on-7 drill, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Thomas powered through two defenders to make a difficult catch on a perfect throw from Manning.
The impressive reception drew applause, and a question.
"Who's No. 80?" one fan asked.
In his first three years at Portland State, Thomas played basketball.
Is he the next Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham, Tony Gonzalez - a former basketball player who can develop into an NFL player?
Or is he simply another gifted athlete who only passes the eye test?
"I feel that God has blessed me with athletic talents," he said. "I don't know what my limit is, but I know I can do some big things."
If Thomas can stay healthy, I tend to agree.
When a player has spent more time on the training table than on the field, it's convenient to suggest he is injury-prone.
But Thomas played 121 basketball games at Portland State, a school record, so that doesn't seem like the case. More likely, his luck stinks.
Good thing his faith doesn't.
"When you're going through tribulations and it's one thing after another, it's easier to doubt your faith. It's easier to doubt the Lord," Thomas said.
"I never allowed that to creep into my mind. I thought, 'God brought me here for a reason.' I told myself, 'You played one year of football in college and he brought you all the way here. That wasn't you. That was Him. So get out of His way. Do the right things. And He'll make it happen.'"
The Broncos have a pair of reliable and steady tight ends in Joel Dreessen and Jacob Tamme. In Thomas, they have a potential game-changer catching passes from Manning.
Now can't a good guy catch a break?
"What I've learned is that no matter what you're going through, God has a plan," he said. "You learn throughout the Bible that He doesn't always reveal His plan to you. Some people have to go through so much and continue to have that faith before God reveals what he's planning.
"That's been important for me to keep in perspective."
http://gazette.com/klee-for-broncos-tight-end-julius-thomas-faith-drives-his-football/article/1504067" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
ENGLEWOOD - In a sport that thrives on violence, Julius Thomas takes a road less traveled. He is a thinker, a reader.
Problem is, he's had way too much time to think and read. For most of his first two season with the Broncos, the imposing tight end has been injured. So Thomas dived into a pair of books.
His Broncos playbook.
"If there was a bright side to being hurt," Thomas said, "it was being able to learn the game."
And his Bible.
"There's a verse - 2 Timothy, 6-7 - that I read a lot."
The verse says: "For the Spirit (that) God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
On a Sunday, when the NFL is king, this is a story about an NFL tight end with Bible ties, not gang ties, and Thomas knows that won't move the needle.
"If I had to make a quick assumption as to why Christian athletes aren't as popular, it's because that's not what people want to see," Thomas told me after practice Friday.
"That doesn't sell newspapers and magazines. As athletes, the big stories are when we do something wrong."
Part of the intrigue in training camp is trying to identify the next breakout player.
Is it Montee Ball, the rookie running back?
Is it Derek Wolfe, the defensive end with a nasty streak, or David Bruton, a candidate to assume a starting spot at safety?
Is it Thomas, the former college basketball player?
Whether it's a power forward who rattles the backboard in a basketball game or a tight end that demands a double-team, certain athletes grab your attention at first sight.
Thomas is one of those.
On a Broncos roster with its share of unusual storylines, his story is striking.
For one, Thomas didn't play football from his freshman year of high school until his senior year of college - seven years. Instead, he played basketball.
Yet the Broncos drafted him in the fourth round in 2011.
For another, Thomas has one career reception, for 5 yards, in two seasons in the NFL.
So in this training camp, why is Thomas mostly working with the first-team offense - Peyton Manning's offense?
That tells us the Broncos see something the football world hasn't seen yet. This is a team built for a Super Bowl championship. The Broncos wouldn't be wasting time, or reps, on a tight end if they didn't believe he could make a big impact.
During a 7-on-7 drill, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Thomas powered through two defenders to make a difficult catch on a perfect throw from Manning.
The impressive reception drew applause, and a question.
"Who's No. 80?" one fan asked.
In his first three years at Portland State, Thomas played basketball.
Is he the next Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham, Tony Gonzalez - a former basketball player who can develop into an NFL player?
Or is he simply another gifted athlete who only passes the eye test?
"I feel that God has blessed me with athletic talents," he said. "I don't know what my limit is, but I know I can do some big things."
If Thomas can stay healthy, I tend to agree.
When a player has spent more time on the training table than on the field, it's convenient to suggest he is injury-prone.
But Thomas played 121 basketball games at Portland State, a school record, so that doesn't seem like the case. More likely, his luck stinks.
Good thing his faith doesn't.
"When you're going through tribulations and it's one thing after another, it's easier to doubt your faith. It's easier to doubt the Lord," Thomas said.
"I never allowed that to creep into my mind. I thought, 'God brought me here for a reason.' I told myself, 'You played one year of football in college and he brought you all the way here. That wasn't you. That was Him. So get out of His way. Do the right things. And He'll make it happen.'"
The Broncos have a pair of reliable and steady tight ends in Joel Dreessen and Jacob Tamme. In Thomas, they have a potential game-changer catching passes from Manning.
Now can't a good guy catch a break?
"What I've learned is that no matter what you're going through, God has a plan," he said. "You learn throughout the Bible that He doesn't always reveal His plan to you. Some people have to go through so much and continue to have that faith before God reveals what he's planning.
"That's been important for me to keep in perspective."
DustRunner
Active member
Another article on JT from the team site. Sounds like he could start, or at least play a lot, in tonight's preseason game.
http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-a...ortunity/4c33435f-b95e-4f32-a1ab-0c1b230eeef8
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After only seeing the field for small slivers of the past two seasons, tight ends Julius Thomas and Virgil Green have certainly gotten their lion’s share of action at Broncos training camp.
And now, both players are looking to make the most of their swift opportunities by showing that they can be effective contributors on the Broncos offense.
“This is a league where you have to earn your spot. Nobody is just going to give it to you,” Thomas said following Tuesday’s practice. “It is definitely up to me to come out in these preseason games and instill confidence in the coaches and our other players that I can get the job done at tight end.”
Thomas and Green have absorbed the brunt of the reps at tight end over the past few days as a result of injuries that have temporarily sidelined Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen, last year’s starting tandem.
For Thomas, rising to the occasion when the opportunity presents itself is an inherent part of the game – although he’s also cheering for his teammates to recover as soon as possible.
“It’s the nature of this business. I went down and opportunities came for other people,” Thomas said. “Now it has come around and it is my turn to get my opportunity. I hate to see guys like Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen go out; I am definitely pulling for them to get healthy. It has to be, ‘The next man up,’ and I’m going to try and do my best out there on the field.”
Thomas is well-qualified to empathize with Tamme and Dreessen.
After nagging ankle injuries significantly limited his ability to play over the past two seasons, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound tight end has been healthy throughout camp – and he’s also made plays all over the field in practice.
Thomas was taking reps with Peyton Manning even before Tamme and Dreessen were injured – in addition to taking reps with other offensive units – but the injuries to his teammates have increased his workload even more.
“I am getting a lot more snaps now in training camp,” Thomas said, noting that his confidence level has increased significantly. “It helps me to be comfortable out there on the field. After being out for so long, it is just something that gives you peace of mind when you are out there.”
Thomas was quick to point out, however, that earning more playing time has been his goal all along.
“I don’t want to watch football games on Sundays—that is not what I signed up for,” Thomas said. “Regardless of other players being injured or not, I was coming to camp to put my best bid in to get playing time on Sundays.
The 6-foot-5, 255 pound Green – who has 8 career receptions for 87 yards – is also looking at the situation as an opportunity to showcase himself as another play-making option for the Broncos.
“Absolutely,” Green responded when asked about whether the situation at tight end is an opportunity for him to contribute more on offense. “I just have to make plays like I did today and just keep building on it and be more consistent.”
Manning said on Tuesday that he was pleased with the performances of both players in camp thus far.
“Virgil and Julius have gotten great work this training camp,” Manning said. “You’ve seen Julius split out wide some; you’ve seen him make some good catches at the tight end. And Virgil is one of our strongest guys on the team, yet he’s made a lot of plays in the passing game. So it’s been a really good camp for both of those guys.”
Now, in trading the practice field for the preseason, both players will have further opportunities to make an impact -- this time in a game setting.
“My whole mindset when I was going through rehab and trying to get back was to be ready for my opportunity when it came," Thomas said. "Now I have a great opportunity ahead of me and I have to make the most of it. So, I’m looking to go into San Francisco and execute well and see if I can show somebody something.”
http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-a...ortunity/4c33435f-b95e-4f32-a1ab-0c1b230eeef8
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After only seeing the field for small slivers of the past two seasons, tight ends Julius Thomas and Virgil Green have certainly gotten their lion’s share of action at Broncos training camp.
And now, both players are looking to make the most of their swift opportunities by showing that they can be effective contributors on the Broncos offense.
“This is a league where you have to earn your spot. Nobody is just going to give it to you,” Thomas said following Tuesday’s practice. “It is definitely up to me to come out in these preseason games and instill confidence in the coaches and our other players that I can get the job done at tight end.”
Thomas and Green have absorbed the brunt of the reps at tight end over the past few days as a result of injuries that have temporarily sidelined Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen, last year’s starting tandem.
For Thomas, rising to the occasion when the opportunity presents itself is an inherent part of the game – although he’s also cheering for his teammates to recover as soon as possible.
“It’s the nature of this business. I went down and opportunities came for other people,” Thomas said. “Now it has come around and it is my turn to get my opportunity. I hate to see guys like Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen go out; I am definitely pulling for them to get healthy. It has to be, ‘The next man up,’ and I’m going to try and do my best out there on the field.”
Thomas is well-qualified to empathize with Tamme and Dreessen.
After nagging ankle injuries significantly limited his ability to play over the past two seasons, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound tight end has been healthy throughout camp – and he’s also made plays all over the field in practice.
Thomas was taking reps with Peyton Manning even before Tamme and Dreessen were injured – in addition to taking reps with other offensive units – but the injuries to his teammates have increased his workload even more.
“I am getting a lot more snaps now in training camp,” Thomas said, noting that his confidence level has increased significantly. “It helps me to be comfortable out there on the field. After being out for so long, it is just something that gives you peace of mind when you are out there.”
Thomas was quick to point out, however, that earning more playing time has been his goal all along.
“I don’t want to watch football games on Sundays—that is not what I signed up for,” Thomas said. “Regardless of other players being injured or not, I was coming to camp to put my best bid in to get playing time on Sundays.
The 6-foot-5, 255 pound Green – who has 8 career receptions for 87 yards – is also looking at the situation as an opportunity to showcase himself as another play-making option for the Broncos.
“Absolutely,” Green responded when asked about whether the situation at tight end is an opportunity for him to contribute more on offense. “I just have to make plays like I did today and just keep building on it and be more consistent.”
Manning said on Tuesday that he was pleased with the performances of both players in camp thus far.
“Virgil and Julius have gotten great work this training camp,” Manning said. “You’ve seen Julius split out wide some; you’ve seen him make some good catches at the tight end. And Virgil is one of our strongest guys on the team, yet he’s made a lot of plays in the passing game. So it’s been a really good camp for both of those guys.”
Now, in trading the practice field for the preseason, both players will have further opportunities to make an impact -- this time in a game setting.
“My whole mindset when I was going through rehab and trying to get back was to be ready for my opportunity when it came," Thomas said. "Now I have a great opportunity ahead of me and I have to make the most of it. So, I’m looking to go into San Francisco and execute well and see if I can show somebody something.”
DustRunner
Active member
I was impressed by the way he caught that ball in space. The fumble sucked, yes, but I'm not sure if he really had possession to begin with, so . . .
Anyways, it was great seeing him start and play well.
Anyways, it was great seeing him start and play well.
Broncos announce that JT will be their starting tight end. :thumb:
http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-a...th-Chart/f040c037-e2ba-45ce-9ed0-7f9ae594858e
http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-a...th-Chart/f040c037-e2ba-45ce-9ed0-7f9ae594858e
So cool to hear JT say 'Portland State University' as one of the starters in the opening game of the season.
They even threw at him in the very first play of the game.
They even threw at him in the very first play of the game.
So proud of JT! Hope this is only the start of a fantastic season for him! :notworthy:
The Broncos Tight End Who Had A Monster Game Last Night Didn't Start Playing Football Until His 5th Year In College
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/broncos-julius-thomas-didnt-play-football-until-2010-2013-9#ixzz2e9CYs3GW" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The Broncos Tight End Who Had A Monster Game Last Night Didn't Start Playing Football Until His 5th Year In College
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/broncos-julius-thomas-didnt-play-football-until-2010-2013-9#ixzz2e9CYs3GW" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Denver tight end Julius Thomas no longer a no-name
ENGLEWOOD, COLO. — Julius Thomas figures only friends and family drafted him in their fantasy football leagues this season. One catch in two pro seasons didn't exactly make him a tantalizing target.
He certainly was a bull's-eye for Peyton Manning in the NFL's kickoff.
He caught the first two of the Denver quarterback's record-tying seven touchdown throws in the Broncos' 49-27 rout of the Ravens.
His five-catch, 110-yard breakout performance showed fantasy fans and real opponents alike that Thomas can be just as big a part of the Broncos' plans this season as their trio of wide receivers.
Not that Thomas was ever doubted in Denver, mind you.
The Broncos brass stuck with the former college basketball power forward who got hurt in his second game as a rookie in 2011, and Thomas returned the favor with a dogged work ethic even as an afterthought.
Finally healthy after spending the bulk of his first two seasons in the pros dealing with a bum right ankle, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Thomas treated every practice this summer like it was game day.
Not only was he a late bloomer — he only played one year of college football after exhausting his basketball eligibility at Portland State — but he got hurt on his one and only NFL catch after the Broncos selected him in the fourth round of the 2011 draft, hoping they'd landed the next Antonio Gates.
After flashing enormous potential in overpowering safeties and eluding linebackers, Thomas injured his right ankle when Bengals linebacker Manny Lawson tackled him after a 5-yard catch in his second NFL game.
His career was stuck in neutral after that. He needed an operation last year and played in just four games while tight ends Joel Dreessen and Jacob Tamme combined for 93 catches, 911 yards and seven touchdown catches in 2012.
No matter: playing against the NFL's second-best defense last season while running with the scout team helped Thomas hone his skills, calm his nerves and build his confidence.
Thomas took advantage of injuries to Tamme and Dreessen this summer to earn Manning's trust and a prominent role in Adam Gase's turbo-charged offense.
When Broncos Executive Vice President John Elway remarked recently that he was "truly jealous of the weapons that Peyton gets to throw to," he made sure to mention he was including Thomas in that equation.
"He obviously knows a lot more about football than I do and to have his confidence, that means a lot," Thomas said. "This is my third year, but really I'm pretty inexperienced and when times get tough, I'm sure that's going to be something I have in my back pocket."
Thomas had TD catches of 24 and 23 yards before the Broncos roared back from a 17-14 halftime deficit Thursday night with their biggest onslaught in nearly a half-century — the only time they ever scored more points came in a 50-34 win over San Diego on Oct. 6, 1963.
"Someone said it was 718 days since I last caught a pass," Thomas said. "It's tough to stay focused and keep remembering what you're working for, but I made it through and it feels good to have all that behind me."
Fantasy players aren't the only ones who took notice of Thomas in Week 1. New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell surely did, too.
When the Broncos visit the Giants next weekend for the latest Manning Brothers matchup, Fewell will have to devise a plan to slow down not only Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker but also Julius Thomas, who in many ways can be the most menacing of them all. That's because of the matchup problems he creates, his nifty moves he honed on the hardwood and his growing rapport with his quarterback.
"I'm not sure how they will answer it, or if they will, but it will be interesting to see how teams play Julius all season," Manning said. "He is a big guy, he definitely will make teams have a conversation, and that is what you want. You want guys that make teams have a discussion. 'How are we going to handle this guy?' He's a big guy."
Thomas knows his number can be called one week, somebody else's the next.
After standing on the sideline for so long, sharing the spotlight isn't a bother.
"We have so many weapons on offense. I wouldn't want to be a defensive coordinator trying to figure out what it's going to take to slow us down," Thomas said.
Notes: Missing Monday's practice were CB Champ Bailey (foot), KR Trindon Holliday (leg), MLB Wesley Woodyard (ankle) and CB Omar Bolden (shoulder).
Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2013/09/09/2970473/denver-tight-end-julius-thomas.html#storylink=cpy" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
ENGLEWOOD, COLO. — Julius Thomas figures only friends and family drafted him in their fantasy football leagues this season. One catch in two pro seasons didn't exactly make him a tantalizing target.
He certainly was a bull's-eye for Peyton Manning in the NFL's kickoff.
He caught the first two of the Denver quarterback's record-tying seven touchdown throws in the Broncos' 49-27 rout of the Ravens.
His five-catch, 110-yard breakout performance showed fantasy fans and real opponents alike that Thomas can be just as big a part of the Broncos' plans this season as their trio of wide receivers.
Not that Thomas was ever doubted in Denver, mind you.
The Broncos brass stuck with the former college basketball power forward who got hurt in his second game as a rookie in 2011, and Thomas returned the favor with a dogged work ethic even as an afterthought.
Finally healthy after spending the bulk of his first two seasons in the pros dealing with a bum right ankle, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Thomas treated every practice this summer like it was game day.
Not only was he a late bloomer — he only played one year of college football after exhausting his basketball eligibility at Portland State — but he got hurt on his one and only NFL catch after the Broncos selected him in the fourth round of the 2011 draft, hoping they'd landed the next Antonio Gates.
After flashing enormous potential in overpowering safeties and eluding linebackers, Thomas injured his right ankle when Bengals linebacker Manny Lawson tackled him after a 5-yard catch in his second NFL game.
His career was stuck in neutral after that. He needed an operation last year and played in just four games while tight ends Joel Dreessen and Jacob Tamme combined for 93 catches, 911 yards and seven touchdown catches in 2012.
No matter: playing against the NFL's second-best defense last season while running with the scout team helped Thomas hone his skills, calm his nerves and build his confidence.
Thomas took advantage of injuries to Tamme and Dreessen this summer to earn Manning's trust and a prominent role in Adam Gase's turbo-charged offense.
When Broncos Executive Vice President John Elway remarked recently that he was "truly jealous of the weapons that Peyton gets to throw to," he made sure to mention he was including Thomas in that equation.
"He obviously knows a lot more about football than I do and to have his confidence, that means a lot," Thomas said. "This is my third year, but really I'm pretty inexperienced and when times get tough, I'm sure that's going to be something I have in my back pocket."
Thomas had TD catches of 24 and 23 yards before the Broncos roared back from a 17-14 halftime deficit Thursday night with their biggest onslaught in nearly a half-century — the only time they ever scored more points came in a 50-34 win over San Diego on Oct. 6, 1963.
"Someone said it was 718 days since I last caught a pass," Thomas said. "It's tough to stay focused and keep remembering what you're working for, but I made it through and it feels good to have all that behind me."
Fantasy players aren't the only ones who took notice of Thomas in Week 1. New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell surely did, too.
When the Broncos visit the Giants next weekend for the latest Manning Brothers matchup, Fewell will have to devise a plan to slow down not only Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker but also Julius Thomas, who in many ways can be the most menacing of them all. That's because of the matchup problems he creates, his nifty moves he honed on the hardwood and his growing rapport with his quarterback.
"I'm not sure how they will answer it, or if they will, but it will be interesting to see how teams play Julius all season," Manning said. "He is a big guy, he definitely will make teams have a conversation, and that is what you want. You want guys that make teams have a discussion. 'How are we going to handle this guy?' He's a big guy."
Thomas knows his number can be called one week, somebody else's the next.
After standing on the sideline for so long, sharing the spotlight isn't a bother.
"We have so many weapons on offense. I wouldn't want to be a defensive coordinator trying to figure out what it's going to take to slow us down," Thomas said.
Notes: Missing Monday's practice were CB Champ Bailey (foot), KR Trindon Holliday (leg), MLB Wesley Woodyard (ankle) and CB Omar Bolden (shoulder).
Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2013/09/09/2970473/denver-tight-end-julius-thomas.html#storylink=cpy" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Touchdown Denver Broncos! Touchdown Julius Thomas! I think that's his 4 td of the year so far!
Screamin_Eagle174
Active member
Thomas is a beast. Good for him, and good for PSU. Thought I'd share this.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000255453/article/julius-thomas-among-rising-crop-of-hoopstersturnedtight-ends" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000255453/article/julius-thomas-among-rising-crop-of-hoopstersturnedtight-ends" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
So sweet seeing JT pull down TD passes on NBC on Sunday night.
pdxfan said:
I know this is getting pretty repetitive, but JT has already scored another TD today. A 74 yard td about 5 minutes into the game. I'm guessing his ankle is doing fine...
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap2000000279405/Thomas-74-yard-TD
