The memory and legacy of Georgia Tech star Demaryius Thomas will live on in a scholarship endowed by the charitable organization founded by Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, Thomas' teammate with the Denver Broncos. Tech made the announcement Wednesday of an endowment that will award need-based scholarships to incoming freshmen from Laurens County, where Thomas was born and raised, or surrounding areas.
Thomas, who earned All-American status and then made four Pro Bowls in 10 NFL seasons, died Dec. 9 at his home in Roswell at the age of 33. Thomas' death, just months after he had retired from the NFL, came as a shock to teammates, coaches and fans from Tech and the NFL.
Scholarships, endowed by the PeyBack Foundation led by Manning and his wife, Ashley, can be full or partial grants. They will follow recipients through graduation at Tech provided they remain in good academic standing.
