ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Demaryius Thomas, whose signature smile was as large part of his legacy with the Denver Broncos as his lengthy checklist of huge performs, shall be inducted into the workforce’s Ring of Fame through the 2025 season.
Thomas was the one former participant or coach chosen for the respect Tuesday. The workforce’s Ring of Fame committee is headed up by homeowners Rob Walton in addition to Greg and Carrie Penner. Thomas died in Dec. 9, 2021, simply days earlier than his thirty fourth birthday, of what Fulton County (Georgia) Medical Examiner’s workplace dominated as “issues of a seizure dysfunction.”
In a press release, the Penners mentioned Thomas’ choice to the Ring of Fame was “a testomony to the indelible mark he left on our group and group. Probably the most beloved gamers and best large receivers in franchise historical past, Demaryius impressed our followers with breathtaking athleticism, record-setting performances and joyful, infectious spirit.”
Thomas shall be formally inducted through the workforce’s alumni weekend in October with a ceremony at halftime of the Oct. 19 sport in opposition to the New York Giants.
Thomas, who was a five-time Professional Bowl choice, was the primary of two first-round picks for the Broncos within the 2010 NFL draft — quarterback Tim Tebow was the opposite — and spent 9 seasons with the Broncos. He completed his profession because the workforce’s second-leading receiver (9,055 yards), behind solely Rod Smith.
He’s third in franchise historical past in catches (655) behind Smith and Corridor of Famer Shannon Sharpe. He performed in 10 seasons total in his NFL profession — his ultimate season was in 2016 with the New York Jets — and completed with 724 catches for 9,763 yards to go along with 63 touchdowns.
The final word Bronco.
Demaryius Thomas has been chosen to the #BroncosROF!#LLDT 🧡 pic.twitter.com/FztWJSWkFT
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) Could 27, 2025
Between 2012 and 2015, with Peyton Manning behind middle, Thomas had not less than 90 receptions and 1,300 yards in 4 consecutive seasons, becoming a member of Corridor of Famers Marvin Harrison and Jerry Rice and Rams legend Torry Holt as the one gamers to achieve these totals over 4 consecutive seasons.
Within the Broncos’ record-setting season in 2013, Manning set NFL data for passing yards (5,477) and touchdowns (55) whereas the Broncos scored a league-record 606 factors that 12 months and Thomas completed with a career-best 14 touchdowns. The next season he completed with a career-best 1,619 yards receiving.
The Broncos then gained Tremendous Bowl 50 to shut out the 2015 season. Thomas was traded to the Houston Texans eight video games into the 2018 season and completed his profession with the Jets in 2019.
Manning has known as Thomas one of the necessary causes the Corridor of Fame quarterback selected the signal with the Broncos in free company in 2012 — “he was a giant motive I got here out to play right here,” Manning has mentioned. Thomas was additionally in one of the celebrated performs in workforce historical past along with his 80-yard catch-and-run for a landing on the primary play of extra time — on a cross from Tebow — in a Wild Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers within the 2011 season.
Thomas additionally caught Manning’s 509th and 510th profession landing passes, which on the time gave Manning the NFL’s all-time mark.
Thomas’ trademark smile and ever-present want to assist these in want made him one of many franchise’s hottest gamers in the neighborhood. He was a frequent customer to a neighborhood Boys and Ladies Membership in addition to different native outreach applications and charities with an look as Santa Claus throughout one vacation season.
His dying despatched shock waves by the NFL and Denver. On the time of his dying, a few of Thomas’ relations mentioned publicly he had suffered seizures for a few 12 months earlier than he died.
A number of former teammates additionally mentioned on the time that Thomas had instructed them he had suffered seizures within the months earlier than he died.
