DENVER — This was a night meant for remembering.
On Saturday at Empower Field at Mile High, the largest group of alumni in team history gathered to celebrate the legacy of new Ring of Famer Demaryius Thomas and the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 team.
As dozens of former Super Bowl 50 alumni returned home, they remembered the late Thomas' spirit. They remembered his contributions to the game. And they remembered a special season that led to Denver's third world championship.
Thomas' parents, Katina Smith and Bobby Thomas, accepted Thomas' orange Ring of Fame jacket and ring from Owners Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner — and they expressed their gratitude for Thomas' induction.
"For me, it's a dream come true for Demaryius, because he always wanted to make sure that he mattered — not just as a player, but as a person," Smith said. "This organization has made that dream come true that he wanted. He wanted to be remembered, not just for what he did on the field but off the field. I'm elated that he has the opportunity to be inducted into the Ring of Fame."
Pro Football Hall of Famers DeMarcus Ware and Peyton Manning also spoke about Thomas' impact, as did Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller in a surprise video message.
"I can only imagine how proud you are of your son," Walton Penner said as she spoke about Thomas' legacy.
The evening also celebrated the 10th anniversary of Super Bowl 50, and Miller's message lauded his former teammates and coaches. In Denver, Ware and Manning also described the unforgettable nature of that championship run.
"It was just a special team to be a part of," Manning said. "I think talented players with unselfishness, that can lead to a special season. It sure did that year."
The Broncos' festivities are still just beginning, as Thomas' Ring of Fame pillar will be unveiled at 11:30 a.m. MT in Ring of Fame Plaza. His parents and Super Bowl 50 head coach Gary Kubiak are expected to speak, and Thomas will officially take his place among the franchise's most elite group.
Then, at halftime, the Broncos will unveil Thomas' name on the Level 5 facade of Empower Field at Mile High and celebrate the Super Bowl 50 team.
The Sunday festivities will give Broncos Country a chance to honor both Thomas and the 2015 team. On Saturday evening, though, the nature of the event allowed the Super Bowl champions to celebrate amongst themselves.
To laugh. To shed a few tears. And to remember the legacy of D.T. and the Lombardi Trophy they won together.
