Demaryius Thomas Elected to Broncos Ring of Fame

The ultimate Bronco, Demaryius Thomas will take his place in the team's Ring of Fame later this year.

Dec 10, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrates after a play in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The late Demaryius Thomas has been elected to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame. The team announced it on Tuesday afternoon.

The ultimate Bronco.

Demaryius Thomas has been selected to the #BroncosROF!#LLDT 🧡 pic.twitter.com/FztWJSWkFT

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 27, 2025

The Broncos will celebrate Thomas' induction into the Ring of Fame and the 10-year anniversary of the 2015 World Champion squad in Week 7 vs. the New York Giants. It'll be quite the Alumni week.

Broncos owners Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner released a statement on Thomas' RoF election.

“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. 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.”

Walton/Penner Family

It's a wonderful development and apropos, considering how the announcement came the day after Memorial Day. Thomas passed away suddenly in December of 2021, roughly two weeks before his 34th birthday, after suffering a seizure at his home.

Thomas' death sent shockwaves through Broncos Country. After all, he had only just retired from the NFL a few months prior and he was so young.

Thomas reportedly suffered from neurological problems following a car accident in 2019. It eventually led to his untimely passing.

Selected in the first round of the 2010 draft, Thomas would go on to become one of the most prolific receivers in Broncos history. He was also part of some iconic Broncos moments, including the Tim Tebow overtime pass to Thomas that upset the AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wildcard Round of the playoffs in 2011.

8️⃣8️⃣’s legacy lives on in the #BroncosROF. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/mWdl0IHXJB

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 27, 2025

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The Broncos fielded the best offense in NFL history in 2013 with Peyton Manning as the triggerman. Thomas was the team's leading receiver.

To cap off that season, Thomas also set a record for his performance, in a loss, unfortunately, in Super Bowl XLVIII. He was seemingly the only Bronco on offense that came to play that day.

Thomas was also part of the victorious Super Bowl 50 squad. After Manning retired, Thomas stuck it out in Denver, producing at a high level despite less-than-ideal quarterback play.

The Broncos traded him to the Houston Texans during the 2018 season. Literally just a few days later, his first game as a Texan was vs. the Broncos at Mile High.

Thomas would go on to spend some time with the New York Jets and New England Patriots before calling it a career. He retired in June of 2021 and passed away in December of that year.

However, Thomas finished his career in Denver as the team's second-leading receiver all-time behind only Rod Smith. Thomas garnered five consecutive Pro Bowl nods (2012-16), was named a second-team All-Pro twice, and helped bring home Denver's third Lombardi Trophy.

He finished with 724 career receptions for 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns, most of which came as a Bronco. There isn't a more deserving player for the Broncos Ring of Fame than Demaryius Thomas. Rest in peace.