Demaryius Thomas thanks Obama for pardoning mother

The Denver Broncos' visit to the White House on Monday was presumably extra special for wide receiver Demaryius Thomas as he was able to thank President Barack Obama for granting his mother clemency in 2015.

Thomas' mother, Katina Smith, had been sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2000 for being part of drug distribution operation, but was pardoned by the Obama in July, along with 45 other nonviolent drug offenders.

"We talked for a quick second. I told him, 'I thank you for what you've done for my family (by) giving my mother clemency," Thomas said.

Thomas said the President remembered granting his mother clemency when they had a brief exchange during the ceremony.

"Yeah, he knew," Thomas said. "He held me back for a little second. Everybody was going by shaking his hand, and we had like a 45-second conversation. So it was cool."

Thomas' grandmother, Minnie Thomas, is serving two life sentences without the possibility of parole for her role in the drug operation, and the receiver revealed he's officially requested clemency for her, too.

"Also, we talked about my grandmother," Thomas said. "Had the application to get everything done, and he’s looking into that, as well."