Demaryius Thomas details his near-fatal car crash last February

Newly-acquired Patriots wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was reflective, grateful, and contrite when asked about his car crash from last February.

Soon enough, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas may be fighting for a roster spot on his new team, the New England Patriots.

For now though, it seems that Thomas is simply happy to not be fighting for his life, after suffering through what could have been a fatal car crash last February in Denver, Colorado.

“I think one of my main things after my accident is having another opportunity. I could have been gone, but I still get another opportunity,” Thomas admitted in a recent interview. “Many people reached out after my accident and I want to thank everyone who has been supportive of my recovery. It was important for me to accept responsibility for my careless driving. I personally promise I will never again put anyone at risk with that type of driving going forward.”

According to police, the talented veteran receiver was driving at least 70 MPH in a 30 MPH zone “when he lost control of the vehicle,” struck a median, went airborne, and finally rolled over. He and two other passengers inside the car were injured, but none of them critically. All have since made complete recoveries, and it’s not lost on Thomas that they’re all lucky to be alive.

"“I wake up every morning and thank the Lord above, and just thankful for just not even just being able to do what I do, being able to talk, walk, eat, all those things that we forget about on a daily basis. It was a tough time and, you know, still going through stuff, but I’m blessed, got another opportunity, blessed I got friends, family that love me and that’s all I ask for.”"

Thomas avoided prison time by reaching a plea bargain deal, although he still will need to go through probation, pay fines, and put in significant hours doing community service as a result of his actions.

It all is perfectly acceptable to Thomas, though, considering the grisly alternative of what might have happened that early morning three months ago.

Thomas previously played with the Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos. He will compete with fellow wideouts Dontrelle Inman, Maurice Harris, Braxton Berrios, and Phillip Dorsett for significant playing time alongside presumptive starters Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry.