In an emotional tribute, Demaryius Thomas’s mother, Katina Smith, was moved to tears as her late son was honored by the Denver Broncos. Thomas, a celebrated former player, was inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame before their thrilling victory over the New York Giants on Sunday.

The Broncos commemorated their Super Bowl 50 triumph by unveiling a bronze sculpture of Thomas, prominently displayed on a stone pedestal. This poignant moment took place in a pre-game ceremony attended by Smith, who witnessed the tribute to her son.

“I just want to touch his face again,” Smith expressed to those gathered, including fans and media. “Having this here feels like he’s still with us, living on in our hearts. He continues to be present through all of us, the community, and his supporters.”

Thomas, a two-time All-Pro wide receiver, last appeared on the NFL field in 2019, though he didn’t formally retire until June 2021. Sadly, just six months later, he passed away after a seizure, which was attributed to a medical condition.

Hailing from Georgia, Thomas overcame significant personal challenges. His story inspired many, particularly after his mother and grandmother were imprisoned on drug charges. In a remarkable turn of events, President Barack Obama commuted their sentences, allowing Katina to witness her son’s football prowess for the first time in January 2016. Thomas soon celebrated a Super Bowl victory with the Broncos the following month.

‘That smile took me through some very hard times,’ Smith told reporters Sunday.

Broncos owner Carrie Walton Penner clap during Demaryius Thomas’ posthumous induction

Thomas speaks to the media during the Broncos’ availability for Super Bowl 50 in 2016

Thomas was also remembered by former Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, retired defensive end DeMarcus Ware and ex-Denver quarterback Peyton Manning, whose own pillar sits next to Thomas’.

‘When all of y’all asked me what’s the main reason you came to Denver, I’m not sure I gave you all of the honest answers back in 2012,’ Manning told the crowd. ‘But Demaryius Thomas was a big reason for it because I never played with a receiver quite like him.

‘I played with Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne [in Indianapolis], unbelievable receivers. But nobody was as big and as powerful as Demaryius was, and I was just kind of wondering what would that be like? And it was every bit as good as I thought it would be.’

Kubiak said it was Thomas’ smile he remembers most.

‘He put a smile on your face,’ Kubiak said. ‘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. D.T.’s just a tremendous person, tremendous player.’

Former Denver Broncos players Juwan Thompson and Peyton Manning applaud during Demaryius Thomas’ posthumous introduction into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame

Ex-Broncos player Emmanuel Sanders speaks during Thomas’ posthumous induction 

Denver Broncos fans hold up signs commemorating the late Demaryius Thomas

A fan holds up a sign for former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas

Impressed with Thomas’ likeness on his newly unveiled pillar, Ware said he could see his former teammate’s ‘angel-like mentality, that peace that everybody wants to have in their lives.

‘I just wanted to pray for everybody,’ Ware said, ‘because that´s what D.T. would have done.’

Thomas’ father, Bobby, said he’s still hopeful his son can be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

‘I’m hoping there’s more to come,’ Thomas said, adding, ‘especially the Hall of Fame. I can’t wait for that one.’

The current Broncos did their part on Sunday by overcoming an 18-point deficit against the Giants on Sunday to win on a last-second field goal from Wil Lutz.

Although Thomas was posthumously diagnosed with the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the condition is not blamed for his death. Rather, his family later said he’d suffered from recurring seizures since a 2019 car crash.