ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Their names sit side by side in the Broncos' record books.
Career receiving yards: 1. Rod Smith (11,389); 2. Demaryius Thomas (9,055).
Single-season receiving yards: 1. Demaryius Thomas (1,619); 2. Rod Smith (1,602).
In a number of franchise receiving categories — single-season receptions, career touchdown receptions, career postseason receptions and receiving yards and receiving touchdowns — Smith's and Thomas' names occupy the top two spots.
And following Thomas' election on Tuesday to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, his name will again join Smith's — this time on the Level 5 facade of Empower Field at Mile High.
"It just made me smile, because he's so deserving because of what he was able to do — not just as an athlete but as a man," Smith told DenverBroncos.com of the news. "He was special when he came to Denver, and he left a special mark in this city."
Smith described the five-time Pro Bowler's inclusion as "an easy call" for the committee, and he said Thomas' election to the Ring of Fame will "cement his legacy forever" — for what he did both on and off the field.
"It's going to be awesome, because it will bring back a lot of memories, especially for his teammates and the fans who actually got to witness it — and his family, especially his family," Smith said of Thomas' name being added to the Ring of Fame. "Any time they ever step foot in that building or you're watching 'Monday Night Football,' you're going to see that name in that Ring. It feels amazing."
Asked to reflect on Thomas' career and evaluate the best aspects of his game, Smith lauded Thomas' toughness — he played 125 consecutive games as a Bronco from 2011-18 — and competitiveness.
"He was about winning," Smith said.
He also pointed to Thomas' 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame and his ability to use his size to his advantage on the field.
"I remember having a conversation with him, I said, 'Dude, you are a big boy. Play like it,'" Smith said. "So when I saw him going up in traffic and catching passes and making a tough catch across the middle and getting hit, I'd say, 'You're a big body.' … For me to watch him and witness him transform those words into action, it felt amazing."
Smith said he's "definitely going to be there" on Oct. 19 when Thomas is officially enshrined into the Ring of Fame, and he said "that weekend is going to be electric" as the fan base celebrates both Thomas and the 10th anniversary of Super Bowl 50.
Smith said he's part of a text message thread with other Broncos alums, and even those who didn't play alongside Thomas are already planning their trips back to Denver to pay homage to the late, great wide receiver.
"A lot of guys that didn't even play with him, you know what they said? 'I'm coming back to Denver for that.'" Smith said. "… He was a special guy. The former players that didn't even play with him just respected him so much. And they want to be a part of him being enshrined in Denver."
