Demaryius Thomas will go into the exclusive Denver Broncos Ring of Fame this fall, the team announced on Tuesday.
Thomas, the key wide receiver on the Super Bowl 50 champions, spent nine seasons with the Broncos. He enters the Ring of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
“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,” the team shared in a statement from ownership. “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 is the 38th Ring of Famer — and 13th first-ballot selection — in franchise history.
The team says he will be posthumously inducted during halftime of the Broncos’ Week 7 game against the Giants on Sunday, Oct. 19, during Alumni Weekend. That weekend will also feature a celebration honoring the 10th anniversary of the Super Bowl 50 champs.
Thomas ranks second in Broncos history in career receiving yards (9,055) and receiving touchdowns (60) and possesses the third-most career receptions (665). He also holds the Broncos’ single-season (1,619 yards) and single-game (226 yards) receiving records. In total, three of the Broncos’ top five seasons for receiving yardage belong to Thomas.
Thomas was a member of the most prolific offense in NFL history, catching a career high 14 touchdown passes during the 2013 season, where Denver’s offense broke many records. A year later, he caught Peyton Manning’s then-NFL record 509th career touchdown pass.
Thomas is responsible for so many great moments in Broncos history during that era, including the walk-off 80-yard catch-and-run against the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime of the 2011 wild-card round for the game-winning score.
In Thomas’ time in Denver, the Broncos won five AFC West titles, went to two Super Bowls and won the one. He was part of 83 wins, including the winningest four-year period in franchise history from 2012-15.
Thomas died unexpectedly in December 2021.
For as long as there is an Empower Field at Mile High, Thomas’ name will be on the facade with a bronze-and-steel pillar in Ring of Fame Plaza outside the stadium.