ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos have announced that the late Demaryius Thomas, one of the most cherished players in team history, will be inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame. Thomas, a five-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl 50 champion, earned the honor in his first year of eligibility.
He becomes the 38th member — and 13th first-ballot selection — of the Ring of Fame. The posthumous induction will take place during halftime of the Broncos’ Week 7 matchup against the New York Giants on Sunday, October 19, coinciding with Alumni Weekend and the 10th anniversary celebration of the Super Bowl 50 championship team.
“Demaryius Thomas’ induction into the Ring of Fame in his first year of eligibility speaks to the profound impact he had on the Broncos and our community,” said Owners Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner. “He inspired fans with his athleticism, records, and joyful presence. While we wish he were here to celebrate, we are proud to honor him alongside his teammates.”
Thomas passed away unexpectedly in December 2021. Over his nine-year Broncos career (2010–2018), he became one of the franchise’s most accomplished receivers. He ranks second in team history for career receiving yards (9,055) and touchdowns (60), and third in receptions (665). He holds single-season and single-game records for receiving yards (1,619 and 226, respectively), and three of the Broncos’ top five receiving seasons belong to him. His five 1,000-yard seasons trail only Ring of Famer Rod Smith, and his 36 career 100-yard games were tied for fourth in the NFL during his time with the team.
Drafted 22nd overall in 2010 out of Georgia Tech, Thomas was one of the NFL’s top receivers in the 2010s, earning two second-team All-Pro honors. From 2012–2016, he joined elite company as one of just three players to post five straight seasons of at least 90 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards. He also matched Hall of Famers Steve Atwater and Shannon Sharpe with five consecutive Pro Bowl selections.
Between 2012 and 2015, Thomas averaged over 100 receptions, 1,400 yards, and 10 touchdowns per season — a feat previously achieved only by legends Jerry Rice and Marvin Harrison. In 2013, he scored a career-best 14 touchdowns, and in 2014 he set a team record with 10 100-yard games, including a streak of seven in a row.
Thomas created unforgettable playoff moments, most notably his 80-yard touchdown in overtime to defeat the Steelers in the 2011 Wild Card round — a play etched in NFL lore. He holds the franchise postseason records for receptions (53), shares the lead for postseason touchdowns (6), and ranks second in playoff receiving yards (759). His 13 catches in Super Bowl XLVIII set a Super Bowl record at the time.
During his tenure, Thomas helped the team to five AFC West titles, two AFC Championships, and the Super Bowl 50 victory. He contributed to 83 wins — the most in any four-year span in Broncos history (2012–15).
“This is a dream come true for Demaryius and our family,” said his mother, Katina Smith. “He always wanted to be remembered not just as a player, but as a person. This honor ensures his legacy lives on.”
After being traded to the Texans in 2018, Thomas played his final NFL season with the New York Jets in 2019.
The Broncos’ Ring of Fame is showcased at Empower Field at Mile High on the Level 5 facade. Honorees are commemorated with a bronze-and-steel pillar in Ring of Fame Plaza and receive a custom-framed portrait, a gold Ring of Fame ring, and the signature orange jacket.
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