Demaryius Thomas bound for Broncos Ring of Fame, set for induction this fall

If you make your way into Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High from the right direction, it’s hard to miss the Broncos’ Ring of Fame plaza, which – besides the iconic equine statue atop the scoreboard above it – is one of the stadium’s most prominent exterior features greeting fans entering via the southern end zone. 

“You see the big horse, then those pillars with all those prestigious players,” said Katina Smith, who’s strolled through the collection of monoliths paying tribute to franchise legends on a number of occasions she visited to attend games of her son, the late Demaryius Thomas. 

This coming fall, she’ll get to return to see the newest of those bronze pylons dedicated to literally solidify his legacy as one of the team’s all-time greats. 

The Broncos announced Wednesday that Thomas, affectionately known as “Baybay,” will become their 38th former player, coach or executive to join the exclusive group. 

His posthumous induction will take place during halftime of a home game scheduled for Oct. 19. 

“It would have meant the world to him, because he always stated that when he was finished with football, he didn’t want to be forgotten,” Smith said. “He wanted to be remembered not only just for football, but for the type of individual he was as well. 

“To get that recognition, he would have been ecstatic about it.” 

The festivities, coinciding with a reunion and celebration of the Super Bowl 50 championship team of which Thomas was a member, will take place at halftime of Denver’s game against the New York Giants, and include the unveiling of both an external monument and placard displayed along the upper level within the stadium. 

Smith, and family, will also be presented several customary mementos including an orange jacket and framed painting traditionally offered to inductees. 

“It’s going to be bittersweet,” she said. “I would love for him to be here physically with us so he can partake in that recognition.” 

Thomas, 33, was only a few months post-retirement when he passed away suddenly in 2021. 

The Montrose native, a multi-sport standout at West Laurens and All-American at Georgia Tech, starred as a wide receiver over a portion of nine seasons in Denver that all but destined him as a future Ring of Famer, in the company of such figures as Tom Jackson, John Elway, Terrell Davis, Peyton Manning, Dan Reeves, Mike Shanahan and Champ Bailey. 

A 22nd overall draft pick in 2010, he went on to set franchise records in single-season and single-game receiving yards, and completed his Bronco career ranked as their second all-time receiver in career yards in touchdowns, and third in total catches. 

He was also a two-time AP all-pro selection. 

The recognition – for someone so accomplished – had long been a foregone conclusion, but his election to the Ring in a first year of eligibility (becoming a 13th to be voted in on a first ballot) was an added distinction likely reflecting the high esteem in which he was held by fans and teammates. 

And Broncos owner Greg Penner conveyed as much when he gave Smith the news in a phone call earlier this week. 

“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,” Penner wrote in a statement to denverbroncos.com. “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.”

Even following his trade to Houston, which led to stints with both New England and the New York Jets his final season in 2019, Thomas remained a fan-favorite in Denver, where he was active in giving back to the community through various channels including its local Boys & Girls Clubs. 

Just as much back home, where he made a practice of returning each summer to host football camps and kids events, and offering time and resources to other causes close to his heart. 

“He loved Denver, and he loved Dublin,” Smith said. “He was one of those humble, caring loving gentle giants.”