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DENVER — Demaryius Thomas’ mother got to see her son play professional football Sunday for the first time as the Broncos advanced to the AFC Championship Game with a 23-16 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Katina Smith, Thomas’ mother, was released from prison in November after serving 15 years for drug trafficking.

At the end of the game, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning gave the game ball to Thomas.

Manning told him to “give that to your mother,” according to CBS’ Jim Nantz, SB Nation reported.