Behind the Highlights: Demaryius Thomas’ 80-Yard Game-Winning TD Catch

Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas discusses his record-breaking 80-yard game-winning touchdown during the 2011 NFL playoffs and explains how his speed training and new approach to fueling helped power this historic play.

In the ninth episode of STACK's Behind the Highlights video series, Demaryius Thomas breaks down his amazing 80-yard touchdown catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 NFL playoffs. On the first play in overtime, Demaryius caught a pass across the middle of the field, stiff-armed Steelers safety Ike Taylor and then sprinted 80 yards for the game-winning score. This propelled Demaryius, Tim Tebow and the rest of the Broncos to the next round of the playoffs to keep their magical season alive.Demaryius explains that an NFL wide receiver must focus first and foremost on speed to contend with fast defensive backs, who often play receivers tight with bump-and-run defense. Because of this, Demaryius performs exercises that make him more explosive out of his stance and in the open-field. He performs Weighted Sled Drives and the Single-Leg Squat to Knee Drive to make sure that his muscles fire explosively when it comes time to run by a much smaller defensive back.Additionally, Demaryius explains that his new focus on nutrition helped him make this amazing play. During his rookie season, the massive wideout dealt with multiple injuries. According to his teammates and a nutritionist, poor nutrition may have been contributing to these injuries. Demaryius decided to revamp his eating plan in an effort to stay healthy the following season. And it worked. Demaryius now focuses on eating healthy meals, like pasta and chicken, leading up to games and makes sure to hydrate properly. Before games, he makes sure to top his energy levels of with carbohydrates in the form of energy bars and sports drinks. He makes sure to drink a Gatorade at halftime as well.After making these nutritional changes, Demaryius noticed that he feels lighter and doesn't get as sore after games and workouts.