From the field to eternity: Denver Broncos idol Demaryius Thomas enters Ring of Fame

The Denver Broncos have confirmed that Super Bowl-winning wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has been elected to the team’s Ring of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

Thomas is the 38th member of the Broncos’ Ring of Fame, the 13th to be selected as a first-ballot pick. He will be posthumously inducted during a special ceremony at halftime of the Week 7 game against the New York Giants.

“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,” wrote owners Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner in a statement.

“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 was drafted by the Broncos in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft and he would go on to play nine seasons in Denver, earning five Pro Bowl nods and a championship ring at Super Bowl 50.

In 2018 he left the team and had spells with the Houston Texans, New England Patriots and New York Jets. However he will forever be associated with the Denver Broncos.

Thomas passed away in December 2021 at the age of 33. Police attributed his death to a “medical issue”, believed to be a seizure. Researchers at Boston University later found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in his brain, a condition associated with repeated head trauma. However it’s not clear that the sport played any role in his tragic death.

His mother, Katina Smith, thanked the Broncos for recognizing his contribution to the franchise with the Ring of Fame election. In a statement she released on behalf of the family she described it was “a dream come true.”

“Like I told Mr. Greg Penner, one of the things D.T. always said was he didn’t want to be forgotten when he was finished with the game. It wasn’t just about football for him but how he wanted to be remembered as a person. 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."

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