The Denver Broncos are set to honor one of their most beloved players as Demaryius Thomas is elected into the franchise’s Ring of Fame, a fitting tribute for a wide receiver whose impact resonates deeply within the team’s history.
This posthumous induction comes in Thomas’s first year of eligibility and will take place during halftime of the Broncos’ Week 7 game against the Giants on October 19, coinciding with a celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 championship team. Thomas joins an elite group as the 38th member and the 13th first-ballot selection in the franchise’s Ring of Fame.
Owners Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner shared heartfelt thoughts on Thomas’s induction, stating, “Demaryius Thomas’ election to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame — in his first year of eligibility — is a testament to the indelible mark he left on our organization and community. One of the most beloved players and greatest wide receivers in franchise history, Demaryius inspired our fans with breathtaking athleticism, record-setting performances and a joyful, infectious spirit. While we wish ‘D.T.’ was with us to celebrate this special moment, we look forward to honoring Demaryius alongside his Super Bowl 50 teammates during an unforgettable Alumni Weekend.”
Thomas, who tragically passed away unexpectedly in December 2021, is second in franchise history with a remarkable 9,055 career receiving yards and 60 receiving touchdowns. He also ranks third with 665 career receptions. His achievements include the Broncos’ single-season receiving record of 1,619 yards and the record for most receiving yards in a single game at 226. Notably, Thomas’s legacy shines through as he holds three of the top five receiving yardage seasons for the team.
Drafted 22nd overall in the 2010 NFL Draft from Georgia Tech, Thomas quickly established himself as a premier talent, finishing as the fourth-leading receiver of the 2010s. His accolades include being named an Associated Press second-team All-Pro twice and setting a remarkable statistical benchmark by becoming one of only three players in NFL history to record five consecutive seasons with at least 90 catches and 1,000 receiving yards from 2012 to 2016. In that same stretch, he stood alongside Hall of Famers Steve Atwater and Shannon Sharpe, each securing five consecutive Pro Bowl nods.
During those peak years, Thomas’s production was extraordinary — averaging over 100 receptions, 1,400 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns per season. Only Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Marvin Harrison had accomplished similar feats over a four-year span leading up to Thomas’s performance.
In 2013, he showcased his prowess as a key part of one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history, registering a career-high 14 touchdowns. The following year saw him catch the second-most passes in franchise history and set a record with 10 100-yard receiving games, including a thrilling seven-week streak of consecutive 100-yard games. Notably, he also caught an iconic touchdown pass from Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, marking Manning’s then-NFL record 509th career touchdown.
Thomas’s influence extended beyond the regular season as he made a significant impact in the postseason. One of his most memorable moments came during the 2011 wild-card round against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where his sensational 80-yard catch-and-run sealed the victory in overtime. His impressive 204 yards in that game remain a franchise record for a single playoff game.
In total, during his ten postseason starts, Thomas accumulated 53 catches for 759 yards and six touchdowns. His record-setting 13 receptions in Super Bowl XLVIII further cemented his legacy as one of the best postseason performers in Broncos history, where he ranks first in career postseason receptions, tied for the most receiving touchdowns with Rod Smith, and second in career postseason receiving yards.
Throughout his illustrious career with the Broncos, Thomas helped the team secure five AFC West titles, two AFC Championships, and the Super Bowl 50 title. His contributions also included being a part of 83 total wins, including an unforgettable four-year stretch from 2012-2015 that stands as the winningest in franchise history.
“With Demaryius and our family, this is a dream come true,” said his mother, Katina Smith. She added, “D.T. always said he didn’t want to be forgotten when he was finished with the game. This will make Demaryius’ dream come true to be part of the prestigious Denver Broncos Ring of Fame. It’s definitely going to be emotional, and I am honored to represent him. I know D.T. is smiling in heaven with this exciting news that came out today.”
Thomas’s remarkable journey in the NFL concluded in 2019 after a brief stint with the New York Jets following his trade to the Texans in 2018.
The Broncos will celebrate Thomas’s legacy in a way that honors both his extraordinary career and the deep connection he forged with fans as part of the Ring of Fame, which is prominently displayed at Empower Field at Mile High. Each inductee is commemorated with an eight-foot bronze-and-steel pillar in Ring of Fame Plaza, in addition to an orange Ring of Fame jacket, a gold Ring of Fame ring, and a custom-framed painting celebrating their accomplishments.
