Demaryius Thomas was honored by the Denver Broncos in a special on-field tribute Sunday during the game against the Detroit Lions.

Fans cheered and players became emotional as the Broncos took a delay of game penalty on the first play from scrimmage to honor Thomas. The ‘X’ position, which Thomas played, was left open until the penalty was issued. Then Courtland Sutton watched from the sideline on one knee, then jogged on the field to resume the game.

Thomas died earlier this week following a reported medical issue at his home in Georgia. He was 33.

Thomas played a large portion of his NFL career with the Broncos, and he was a Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion.

Thomas’ biggest NFL highlight may have been an 80-yard touchdown catch in a 2011 AFC wild-card playoff game, on a pass from Tim Tebow to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers.