A little more than nine years after the Broncos' 2011 Wild Card win over the Steelers, we spoke with Demaryius Thomas — and several spectators from inside the stadium and around the world — to hear their recollection of one of the most stunning games and thrilling moments in Broncos history. This is Thomas' story, in his own words:
Every game that we played that season was a dogfight. We knew it was going to take 60 minutes to beat us, because we was going to play until the clock says double zeroes. Going into it, we was confident. We had some pieces that we could use to help us and we saw some things that was showing a little weakness on their side. We was OK. … I don't know, we didn't think we was the better team, but you never know. We went in thinking we were gonna win and we were just going to play till 60 minutes [was up]. I know that we said leading up to it, 'Just play for each other each and every minute.' And we came out with a 'W'.
I won't say we felt like an underdog because the stadium, of course, was rocking, thanks to the fans. A lot of people didn't expect us to be where we were at the time. We knew as a group and as a team, we was gonna play our best game. Every day we got on the field, we was gonna put up our best game, play till the 60 minutes was over. And so we did. We didn't say they was the better team by their record, because we're all pros. Sometimes you say 'Any given Sunday,' but we're all pros. We went to work that week and came out with a 'W'.
[After Eric Decker got hurt] it kind of gave Tim not many options to go to, but it was a bigger role to step up and make plays when I got my chance, because the type of offense we had, we threw the ball but we didn't throw it as much. When I got my chance, I made plays on it. I think I averaged 51 yards per catch that game. So I just took advantage of that.
Man, I can say — and no disrespect to [Steelers cornerback] Ike [Taylor] — but that was one of my best games. That was one of my coming-out parties, like I say to myself. I had a couple games earlier in the season, but that's one of the games that I remember for the rest of my career and for the rest of my life because I was coming off an Achilles [injury] … trying to have a name for myself. And coming out having four catching for 204 yards was big for me, and a touchdown. It was big for me, big for our team and it was big for the organization.
I knew we would be able to score first if we got the ball first [in overtime]. I didn't know what we was gonna do, but I knew we was gonna call it and make something work because we were able to move the ball at a good pace that game. It was up and down, but we would have got a chance if we would have finished off that drive, also.
Take a look back on the emotional and thrilling wild-card win over the Steelers on January 8, 2012.
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow holds his hand over his heart during the National Anthem before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado.
Denver Broncos Jason Hunter tackles the Pittsburgh Steelers Isaac Redman in the first half of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado.
Denver Broncos Matt Prater kicks a field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado.
Denver Broncos Robert Ayers celebrates after a sack against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado.
Denver Broncos Demaryius Thomas (88) stiffarms Pittsburgh Steelers Ike Taylor (24) in the first half of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado. (Photo by Gabriel Christus/ The Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos Demaryius Thomas (88) catches a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado. (Photo by Gabriel Christus/ The Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow takes the snap during first quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Demaryius Thomas makes a 51 yard reception during second quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Robert Ayers celebrates a sack during second quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Von Miller pressures the quarterback during second quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow (15) prepares to throw a deep ball to Demaryius Thomas in second quarter action in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal (19) beats Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) and catches an 30-yard scoring reception during an NFL Wild Card Playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 8, 2012. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 29-23 in overtime in the AFC Wild Card Game. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Denver Broncos Eddie Royal hauls in a 30 yard reception for a touchdown during second quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Eddie Royal (19) celebrates his 30-yard touchdown catch with Matt Willis (12) in second quarter action in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Eddie Royal celebrates a 30 yard reception for a touchdown during second quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Dermaryius Thomas (88) eludes Pittsburgh Steelers Ike Taylor (24) on a 58-yard reception in second quarter action in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow carries the ball for an 8 yard touchdown run during second quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow (15) celebrates his 8-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Quinton Carter (28) celebrates his second quarter interception in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Robert Ayers sacks the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the second half of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado.
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow passes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado. (Photo by Gabriel Christus/ The Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow carries the ball during third quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Willis McGahee rushes the ball during third quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Champ Bailey (24) breaks up a pass to against the Pittsburgh Steelers Mike Wallace (17) in the third quarter of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado. (Photo by Gabriel Christus/ The Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos Brodrick Bunkley (77) sacks the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) in the fourth quarter of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado. (Photo by Gabriel Christus/ The Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos Willis McGahee (23) rushes against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado. (Photo by Gabriel Christus/ The Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos Von Miller sacks quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for a 4 yard loss during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Von Miller and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger chase down a fumble during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Champ Bailey (24) breaks up a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers Mike Wallace (17) in fourth quarter action in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 08: The sideline of Denver Broncos after the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 08: Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos stiff arms Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers as he scores the winning touchdown during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
Denver Broncos Demaryius Thomas (88) scores the game-winning touchdown with Pittsburgh Steelers Ryan Mundy (29) in overtime of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado. (Photo by Gabriel Christus/ The Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos Demaryius Thomas (88) scores the game-winning touchdown with Pittsburgh Steelers Ryan Mundy (29) in overtime of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado. (Photo by Gabriel Christus/ The Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos Demaryius Thomas on a 80 yard catch and run for a touchdown to win the game during overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 08: Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos sprints down the sideline against the Pittsburgh Steelers as he scores the winning touchdown during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
Denver Broncos Demaryius Thomas on a 80 yard catch and run for a touchdown to win the game during overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (15) pounds the field as he kneels in prayer after throwing an 80-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) to win in overtime during an NFL Wild Card Playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 8, 2012. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 29-23 in overtime in the AFC Wild Card Game. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow hugs offensive coordinator, Mike McCoy, after the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado.
Denver Broncos Chris Clark celebrates an overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos David Bruton celebrates an overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow (15) hugs Brian Dawkins (20) after the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the end of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado. (Photo by Gabriel Christus/ The Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos David Bruton jumps into the stands after the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Colorado.
Denver Broncos head coach John Fox celebrates an overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (15) celebrates with a "Mile High Leap" after throwing an 80-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) to win in overtime during an NFL Wild Card Playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 8, 2012. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 29-23 in overtime in the AFC Wild Card Game. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Denver Broncos Elvis Dumervil celebrates an overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Elvis Dumervil celebrates an overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Von Miller celebrates an overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow celebrates an overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Demaryius Thomas celebrates an overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Wild Card Playoff game on January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos Time Tebow (15) erupts in joy as he celebrates Denver's overtime 29-23 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Head Coach John Fox celebrates with a player after Denver's overtime 29-23 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 08: Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos celebrates the win with the fans against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
Denver Broncos Joe Mays (51) celebrates with his wife after Denver's overtime 29-23 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Head Coach John Foxgives Champ Bailey (24) a hug as they celebrate after Denver's overtime 29-23 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Executive Vice President John Elway,left, celebrates with Demaryius Thomas (88) after Denver's overtime 29-23 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 08: Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos celebrates the win with the fans against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
Denver Broncos Executive Vice President John Elway,left, celebrates with Demaryius Thomas (88) after Denver's overtime 29-23 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Executive Vice President John Elway,right, embraces Tim Tebow (15) in the locker room as the team celebrates Denver's overtime 29-23 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow (15) is congratulated by teammates in the locker room after Denver defeats the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-23 in overtime in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Head Coach John Fox brings his players together for a huddle celebration in the locker room after Denver defeats the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-23 in overtime in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Head Coach John Fox accepts cheers from his players in the locker room after Denver defeats the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-23 in overtime in the NFL AFC wildcard playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver CO.
That was one of my best routes on that offense. It was "thimble" to the left. I just remember most of the time when we sent Eddie Royal in motion, the safety would come down because he's thinking we're running the ball, because we did that a lot that season and that game. I remember, I think it was [then-quarterbacks coach] Adam Gase that came up and said, 'We're going to do this the first play. You'll have a chance to make the play and make a big run with it.' I came up with the run — [that was] all I knew I had to do, right off the bat, because I saw the safety come down. I had to beat Ike Taylor, and I beat Ike. … It was at a catchable height. I stayed in stride, caught it on the run. It was perfect. … So, happily, when I caught the ball, it was like my hand was in the perfect position to get him right in the chest with a stiff-arm.
He got me the first time [earlier that game when Thomas tried a stiff-arm]. I remember [then-wide receivers coach] Tyke [Tolbert] saying [as] I was going to the sideline, Tyke said, 'Man, use your speed. Use your speed.' Because sometimes I would forget to use it. I remember on that play I used my stiff-arm and just used my speed and just put my head down and ran. … After that, I just ran into the end zone.
Man, I couldn't hear nothing. It was like it wasn't real. … It was crazy.
The sound [came back] when I ran through the tunnel and in my head, I didn't know the game was over at the time. So I walked back in, and that's when I heard the crowd. I didn't hear the crowd until I turned around and walked back in, because if I knew the game was over, I wouldn't have turned around.
When I saw [Broncos cornerback] Champ [Bailey], he was like, 'The game's over!' and was so excited. That's when I knew the game was over, when Champ came running.
It was insane. If I didn't know no better, I would have thought we won the Super Bowl that game. If I didn't know nothing about the Super Bowl, I would have thought we had won it that game. It was rocking. The fans had the stadium rocking.
It's top three in my football career. In my time playing ball, it's top three for sure. I'd go Super Bowl for number one. This is probably number two. And then 509, three. I'd say it's number two right now. Of course, getting drafted, being able to play football, that comes into play. But this was a big one.
