Demaryius Thomas Joins Denver Broncos Ring of Fame: Celebrating the Super Bowl 50 Champion’s Legacy

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — A legend is set to join the ranks of the Denver Broncos greats. The late Demaryius Thomas is being inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

Thomas, a Super Bowl 50 champion and five-time Pro Bowler, will be honored during halftime of the Broncos’ Week 7 game against the Giants on October 19. This event coincides with Alumni Weekend, also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Broncos’ Super Bowl victory.

“Demaryius Thomas’ election is a testament to his impact on our team and the community,” said Broncos owners Greg and Carrie Walton Penner. “His athletic prowess and positive spirit inspired fans everywhere. While we wish he could join us, we look forward to celebrating his legacy with his teammates.”

Thomas tragically passed away in December 2021 but remains a significant part of the Broncos’ history. He ranks second in franchise history with 9,055 receiving yards and 60 touchdowns. With 665 catches, he is third on the team for all-time receptions. Notably, he holds the single-season record with 1,619 yards and a single-game record of 226 yards.

Drafted 22nd overall in 2010 from Georgia Tech, Thomas was a standout in the 2010s. He was one of only three players in NFL history to collect at least 90 catches and 1,000 receiving yards for five straight seasons between 2012 and 2016. His skill earned him back-to-back second-team All-Pro selections during these years.

From 2012 to 2015, Thomas consistently topped the charts, averaging over 100 catches, 1,400 yards, and 10 touchdowns a season—a feat only matched by Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Marvin Harrison at that time.

In the historic 2013 season, he caught 14 touchdowns, making him a key player in one of the most powerful offenses in NFL history. The following year, he had a record-setting ten 100-yard games in a single season. One memorable moment occurred in 2014 when he caught Peyton Manning’s record-breaking 509th career touchdown pass.

Thomas excelled in the playoffs too. His iconic 80-yard catch against the Steelers in the 2011 wild-card round remains one of the most unforgettable plays in NFL history. In total, he caught 53 passes for 759 yards and six touchdowns in postseason games, setting a Super Bowl record with 13 receptions in XLVIII.

During his time with the Broncos, Thomas celebrated five AFC West titles and two AFC Championships, contributing to a remarkable winning streak from 2012 to 2015.

“This is a dream come true for our family,” said his mother, Katina Smith. “Demaryius always wanted to be remembered not just for football, but as a person. This induction will fulfill that dream.”

Thomas ended his Broncos career in 2018 and played his last NFL season with the New York Jets in 2019. Now, he will be forever honored at Empower Field at Mile High, where his legacy will be marked by a bronze-and-steel pillar and an orange Ring of Fame jacket.

Honoring Thomas in this way reminds us of the lasting impact he had, both on and off the field. The celebration will not only preserve his memory but also inspire future generations of fans and players.

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Top Stories,Aric DiLalla