For such a slow starter, Demaryius Thomas sure dashed right into history.
It took the Denver Broncos' newest star until the end of his second NFL season to validate his status as the first wide receiver selected in the 2010 draft, ahead of Dallas' Dez Bryant. Now he's a household name, despite playing in Denver's read-option offence, where wide receivers serve more as blockers and decoys than pass-catchers.
Thomas ended the quickest over-time in NFL history - 11 seconds - with the longest winning touch-down in a playoff game. His 80-yard catch Sunday from Tim Tebow sent the Broncos to a 29-23 win over Pitts-burgh.
Thomas was drafted out of Georgia Tech following his junior season. In his first year, he aggravated a surgically repaired left foot, and then sustained a concussion and high ankle sprain. In February, Thomas had to have a torn Achilles tendon, repaired. At in his first padded practice this season, he broke his left pin-ky. Thomas returned in early October. Since Dec. 1, the receiver who packs 230 pounds on his 6-foot-3 frame has been one of the most dominating players. His 29 catches for 652 yards - a league-best 22.5 yards per catch - four touchdowns and 108.7-yard receiving average are second to Detroit's Calvin "Mega-tron" Johnson. Thomas finished Sunday's game with a career-high 204 yards on just four receptions.
Carolina's Steve Smith had the record for the longest overtime TD, a 69-yarder in 2004.
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