Thanks, Obama: Denver Broncos' Demaryius Thomas thanks President for pardoning mom

WASHINGTON, June 7 (UPI) -- As November nears, many Americans are growing ill from political publicity.

But Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas is giving thanks to the country's highest elected official, President Barack Obama.

On the Super Bowl Champions' Monday visit to the White House, Thomas thanked the President for orchestrating his mother's release from prison. His mother, Katina Smith, served 15 years of a 20-year prison sentence on a non-violent drug offender condition for partaking in a cocaine distribution operation. Smith served due to her refusal to testify against Thomas' grandmother in the case.

Obama granted Smith clemency last year. Thomas' grandmother is still in prison.

"He held me back for a little second," Thomas told reporters about his talk with Obama. "Everybody was going by shaking his hand, and we had like a 45-second conversation. So it was cool."

"I told him, 'I thank you for what you've done for my family (by) giving my mother clemency,'" Thomas told reporters, via Broncos.com. "Also, we talked about my grandmother. Had the application to get everything done, and he's looking into that, as well."

Thomas also delivered a hand written letter to Obama, with messages from Smith.

Smith also attended the Broncos' 24-10 Super Bowl 50 victory against the Carolina Panthers.

Thomas, 28, had 105 receptions for 1,304 yards and six touchdowns last season.