The Denver Broncos officially inducted Demaryius Thomas into their Ring of Fame plaza in a ceremony outside Empower Field on Sunday. The late wide receiver was honored as a part of the Broncos' celebrated Super Bowl 50 team.

Thomas’ pillar is placed right next to Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.

Katina Smith, Thomas’s mother, was overcome with emotion at the tribute

"That smile took me through some very hard times," said Smith after her son's pillar was unveiled.

"I'm wanting to touch his face again," Smith said as she touched the cheeks on his bronze image. "This right here, it's like he's still here with us today and in our hearts. So, he lives on through all of us and through all the community and his fans."

In 2021, Thomas passed away at age 33 after suffering a seizure.

Gary Kubiak, former Broncos coach, said he will always remember Thomas’ smile.

"He put a smile on your face. The NFL's tough. A lot of games, a lot of ups and downs, so you have some rough days. And D.T. could always catch you as a coach when you had a rough day and make you smile again and make you feel good," Kubiak said. "D.T.'s just a tremendous person, tremendous player."

A five-time Pro Bowl selection (2012–2016), Thomas also earned second-team All-Pro honors twice (2013, 2014). He currently holds the Broncos' single-season record for receiving yards (1,619 in 2014) and the franchise single-game receiving record (226 yards). Thomas finished his Broncos career ranking second in franchise history in both receiving yards (9,055) and receiving touchdowns (60), and third in career receptions (665). 

One of his most iconic moments was arguably the 80-yard walk-off touchdown catch and run from Tim Tebow on the first play of overtime to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 AFC Wild Card game.