Demaryius Thomas' Mom Reacts to Late Son's Induction into Broncos' Ring of Fame

The Denver Broncos honored late wide receiver Demaryius Thomas with an induction into their Ring of Fame prior to Sunday's game against the New York Giants.

Thomas' mother, Katina Smith, discussed her emotions after her son's pillar was unveiled.

"I'm wanting to touch his face again," Smith said as she reached out to caress the cheeks on his bronze image, per the Associated Press. "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."

The Broncos permanently added the No. 88 to their field at Mile High Stadium in honor of Thomas, who died at the age of 33 in 2021 after suffering a seizure.

Smith and Thomas' father, Bobby Thomas, had visited the Broncos during practice last week.

"I'm hoping there's more to come," Bobby Thomas said, "especially the (Pro Football) Hall of Fame. I can't wait for that one."

In addition to celebrating Thomas' legacy, the Broncos earned a hard-fought 33-32 comeback victory over the Giants on a last-second game-winning field goal to improve to 5-2 this season.

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Thomas' induction was part of the Broncos' alumni weekend celebration that featured the 10-year reunion of their Super Bowl 50-winning team on which he played. Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, whose pillar is next to Thomas', revealed that he was a big reason why he decided to join Denver following his tenure with the Indianapolis Colts.

"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. But Demaryius Thomas was a big reason for it because I never played with a receiver quite like him," Manning said. "I played with Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, 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."