Broncos star’s mother watches him play football for first time after being pardoned by Obama for drug trafficking

Katrina Smith spent 15 years in a Florida prison but was one of 46 non-violent, first time offenders to be pardoned in November

Katrina Smith was pardoned by President Obama and released from prison (Instagram @Queenbellas)

A football star’s mother was allowed to watch her son play professional sport for the first time after she was pardoned by President Obama and released from prison after 15 years.

Katrina Smith, mother of Broncos player Demaryius Thomas, was in the crowd on Sunday night for the first time after she was convicted of drug trafficking in 2000. Mr Thomas was 12 years old when she was convicted and his mother had never attended one of his professional games.

Ms Smith was one of 46 non-violent, first time offenders pardoned by President Obama in 2015. She was released in November and placed under a 60-day travel ban.

Her 28-year-old son led his team to win 23-16 against the Steelers on Sunday night.

“It was great... I was just excited she was here for her first game. We came out with the win to make it even better,” he told The Daily Mail.

On social media Ms Smith shared photos of her wearing her son’s sports jersey with her name embroidered on the back.

Ms Smith was sentenced by the Middle District of Georgia and sent to prison in July 2000. Her original sentence of 292 months was later reduced to 240 months.

A full list of the 46 people who were pardoned can be found in this document.