All-time Broncos great Demaryius Thomas retires

After a decade of catching passes in the NFL, former Denver Broncos wide receiver — and likely future Ring of Famer — Demaryius Thomas has retired.

At or near the top of virtually every Broncos receiving record, Thomas was a member of the orange and blue during the winningest four-year period (2012-’15) in team history (55-17).

The 22nd-overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech, Thomas spent all but a season and a half of his career in Denver, which included two AFC Championships and a Super Bowl 50 victory in 2016.

In an interview with DenverBroncos.com, Thomas said it was a “real tough decision” to retire but that he’s “grateful” he had 10 seasons in the NFL.

“I’m so grateful for that, and now I can move on. I’m happy. I’m healthy. And now I can try to find my next itch,” Thomas said.

According to 9News Broncos Insider Mike Klis, the team plans to honor Thomas during Denver’s home opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 26. Thomas finished his career with the Jets, playing 11 games (10 starts) for the team in 2019.

Thomas also played seven games for the Texans after being traded to Houston in October 2018. In his Texans debut, Thomas had three receptions for 61 yards in a 19-17 victory over the Broncos in Denver.

The five-time Pro Bowler also had a brief stint with the Patriots, signing a one-year deal with the team in April 2019. However, New England traded him to New York in September 2019 before playing a regular season down with the club.

In a statement released by the Broncos on Monday, team president of football operations John Elway said Thomas “belongs among the greatest players in Broncos history for what he’s meant to this organization on the field and out in the community.”

“We appreciate everything Demaryius did for us and congratulate him on his retirement from the NFL,” Elway said.

Broncos president and CEO Joe Ellis echoed Elway’s sentiment, calling Thomas “one of the greatest wide receivers to ever play for this franchise.”

“We’re proud to call Demaryius a ‘Bronco for Life.’ Our organization congratulates Demaryius on a remarkable career and looks forward to celebrating all that he’s meant to the Denver Broncos,” Ellis said.

At the time of his retirement, Thomas ranks second in Denver history in total receiving yards (9,814) and receiving touchdowns (66) behind Broncos Ring of Famer Rod Smith (12,249 yards/74 touchdowns). Thomas also ranks third in career receptions (718) behind Smith (898) and tight end Shannon Sharpe (722).

Thomas had three of the five most productive seasons in Broncos history in terms of receiving yards, leading the franchise record books with 1,619 in 2014. He also has the second- and third-most receptions in a single season (111/105) in team history for his efforts in 2014 and 2015.

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