DT’s mom featured in ESPN series, ‘I scored a touchdown’ on Mother’s Day

Smith, who watched Super Bowl 48 while incarcerated, explains in the feature how despite the hardships and separation their relationship faced, the bond between the mother and son stayed strong.

Through the story of his Super Bowl touchdown, Smith showcases her son’s kindness, hard work, and success that continues to inspire his family, friends, teammates and fans.

DT died in 2021 of complications from a seizure, which he had been having for months following a major car crash the year before. A posthumous examination by Boston University researchers found that Thomas had Stage 2 Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

Sean Connell, ESPN managing producer for the series, said this episode is unique because unlike the other touchdown stories told by the players, DT’s is told by his mom.

“She tells the story very fondly and with a lot of pride for her son. It’s great because we get to experience his touchdown through her eyes. It’s a very unique focus.”

Sean Connell, ESPN producer

“She tells the story very fondly and with a lot of pride for her son,” Connell said. “It’s great because we get to experience his touchdown through her eyes. It’s a very unique focus.”

Most in Broncos Country are familiar with DT’s backstory — growing up poor in rural Georgia and witnessing his mother and grandmother being arrested just before he left for school one morning in 1999. Smith and her mother, Minnie Pearle Thomas, were sentenced to 24 years in prison for their role operating a drug trafficking ring.

Smith was one of 46 nonviolent drug offenders whose sentences were reduced by President Barack Obama in July 2015. The first game she got to watch DT in person was the divisional playoff win against the Steelers in 2016 on the road to Super Bowl 50, where the Broncos beat the Panthers 24-10.

As good of a football player as No. 88 was — highlighted by his posthumous induction into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame last year — every teammate will say that the best part of DT was his infectious smile and caring attitude for everyone around him.

Especially his mom.

“What better way to tell his touchdown story than through his mom,” Connell added. “I don’t think anyone else could have done it.”