ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — When Demaryius Thomas stiff armed Ike Taylor and took off on the first play of overtime in the 2011 Wild Card round, he did more than just free himself to run for the game-winning touchdown.
As Thomas burst down the right side of the field to secure a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, he thrust himself into Broncos history.
Before the snap, Thomas was a second-year player with 54 career receptions to his name. The 25-year-old had yet to make a Pro Bowl and was still a first-round pick aiming to find his first 1,000-yard receiving season.
But in mere moments, as Mile High shook with noise as Thomas crossed the goal line, he earned an indelible spot in the hearts of Broncos Country.
That won't change, even after the Broncos agreed to trade Thomas and a seventh-round pick to Houston for a fourth- and seventh-round draft pick on Tuesday.
In the years after his catch-and-run, Thomas only endeared himself more to this community and fan base.
On the field, No. 88 tallied five consecutive Pro Bowl seasons from 2012 to 2016 and racked up five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Only Antonio Brown, Torry Holt and Marvin Harrison also have five consecutive seasons with 90 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards.
In Thomas' first three seasons with Peyton Manning under center, he caught at least 10 touchdowns and went over 1,400 yards every year from 2012-14. At the end of the 2013 season, Thomas set a Super Bowl record for receptions in a game when he caught 13 passes against Seattle. He followed up that effort by setting franchise's single-season receiving yardage record with 1,619 yards in 2014.
Thomas also holds the most 100-yard receiving games (36) of anyone who has ever played in a Broncos uniform.
Barring a future return to the team, Thomas ends his Broncos career second to Rod Smith in both all-time receiving touchdowns and receiving yards.
Those are the numbers — and man, are they impressive. No matter who was at quarterback, Thomas found ways to rack up numbers and make the players around him better.
Demaryius Thomas' time with the Broncos was unforgettable — he made game-winning plays, set franchise records, helped the Broncos reach two Super Bowls — including a win in Super Bowl 50 — and he was a star in the community.
First-round draft pick Demaryius Thomas displays his jersey to the media during his introductory press conference on April 23, 2010.
First-round draft pick Demaryius Thomas arrives at Dove Valley headquarters in snow flurries on April 23, 2010.
Demaryius Thomas flashes a smile in the end zone after completing a 21-yard touchdown catch against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 19, 2010. It was the first touchdown catch of his career.
Demaryius Thomas smiles after he contributed eight receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 19, 2010.
Demaryius Thomas holds a young child at the Denver Rescue Mission Holiday Party on Dec. 13, 2011.
Demaryius Thomas turns upfield on a 41-yard catch and run for a touchdown in third quarter action against the Minnesota Vikings in the on Dec. 4, 2011.
Demaryius Thomas creates separation from Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor on an 80-yard catch and run for a touchdown to win the game in overtime of an AFC Wild Card playoff game on Jan. 8, 2012.
Demaryius Thomas scores the game-winning touchdown against the Steelers in overtime of the AFC Wild Card playoff game on Jan. 8, 2012.
Demaryius Thomas strolls the aisles with a Boys & Girls Club shopper during the annual Shop with a Bronco on Dec. 6, 2011.
Demaryius Thomas runs out of the tunnel during player introductions before a preseason game on Aug. 18, 2012.
Peyton Manning chats with Demaryius Thomas on the sideline during the team's first Organized Team Activity held at the Dove Valley facility on May 21, 2012.
Demaryius Thomas catches a 38-yard pass for a first down against the New England Patriots on Oct. 7, 2012.
Demaryius Thomas catches the ball during first quarter action against the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 28, 2012.
Demaryius Thomas looks for extra yards after a reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 2, 2012.
Demaryius Thomas takes the field before a game against the Chargers on Nov. 18, 2012.
Demaryius Thomas runs upfield after a reception against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 23, 2012.
Demaryius Thomas hauls in a 22-yard touchdown reception against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 23, 2012.
Fans celebrate with Demaryius Thomas after he caught an 8-yard touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 2, 2012.
Demaryius Thomas scores a touchdown during against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Playoff game on Jan. 12, 2013.
Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker and Eric Decker pose for a 2013 Gameday Magazine cover on Aug. 13, 2013.
Demaryius Thomas has some fun in the rain outside the locker room at a training camp scrimmage at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Aug. 3, 2013.
Demaryius Thomas catches a 26-yard touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5, 2013.
Demaryius Thomas jumps into the stands after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 29, 2013.
Demaryius Thomas pushes off a Chiefs defender as he heads up the sidelines on a 20-yard reception on Nov. 17, 2013.
Demaryius Thomas points to the camera while he stretches before a game against the Washington Redskins on Oct. 27, 2013.
Demaryius Thomas hauls in a 15-yard pass for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 29, 2013.
Demaryius Thomas holds the football across the goal one on a 5-on Dec. 29, 2013. The pass to Thomas from Peyton Manning set a new NFL record for passing yards in a single season with 5,477 yards.
Demaryius Thomas carries the ball in for a touchdown after a reception against the San Diego Chargers on Nov. 10, 2013.
CBS's Jim Nantz interviews Demaryius Thomas after Denver defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 19, 2014.
Demaryius Thomas holds up the Lamar Hunt Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at on Jan. 19, 2014.
Demaryius Thomas hangs on to a 14-yard reception for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2, 2014.
Demaryius Thomas catches a 12-yard pass for a touchdown with two Chiefs defending him on Sept. 14, 2014
Demaryius Thomas celebrates with the fans in the south stands after he ran 31 yards on a reception for a touchdown on Oct. 5, 2014. Thomas set a franchise record for receiving yards in a single game with 226.
Demaryius Thomas reaches for a deep pass which caught and took for a 86-yard touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 5, 2014. Thomas set a franchise record for receiving yards in a single game with 226.
Demaryius Thomas runs for an 86-yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 5, 2014. Thomas set a franchise record for receiving yards in a single game with 226.
Demaryius Thomas runs past a diving Cardinals defender for a touchdown on Oct. 5, 2014. Thomas set a franchise record for receiving yards in a single game with 226.
Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson tries to bring down Demaryius Thomas on Nov. 9, 2014.
Demaryius Thomas catches Peyton Manning's 8-yard pass for Manning's NFL-record 509th career touchdown pass against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 19, 2014.
Peyton Manning celebrates his NFL-record 509th passing touchdown with Demaryius Thomas, who caught the pass, on Oct. 19, 2014.
Demaryius Thomas hauls in a 40-yard touchdown reception against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 19, 2014.
Orlando Franklin lifts Demaryius Thomas after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 23, 2014.
Demaryius Thomas catches a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 17, 2015.
Demaryius Thomas fires up the crowd during a game against the Patriots on Nov. 29, 2015.
Demaryius Thomas carries the ball for a 72-yard touchdown against the San Diego Chargers on Jan. 3, 2016.
Demaryius Thomas spikes the ball after scoring on a two-point conversion against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 17, 2016.
Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas celebrate in confetti after beating the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 24, 2016.
Demaryius Thomas celebrates with DeMarcus Ware after the Broncos beat the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 24, 2016.
Demaryius Thomas smiles in the locker room as he gets ready for practice during the week leading up to Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 5, 2016.
Demaryius Thomas introduces Peyton Manning to Thomas' mother, Katina Smith, after walkthrough for Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 6, 2016.
Demaryius Thomas celebrates with Aqib Talib after beating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, 2016.
Demaryius Thomas pushes Marshall Manning, Peyton Manning's son, through the locker room in an equipment container after the Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, 2016
Demaryius Thomas stands atop a fire truck and waves to the crowd during the Broncos' championship parade through downtown Denver on Feb. 9, 2016.
Demaryius Thomas (back row, holding Marshall Manning) takes a group photo with Peyton Manning and other Broncos teammates after Manning's retirement press conference on March 7, 2016.
Demaryius Thomas, among others, looks on as then-President Barack Obama speaks to the crowd during a ceremony honoring the team's Super Bowl 50 victory.
Demaryius Thomas during the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 ring ceremony on June 12, 2016.
Demaryius Thomas scores on an 11-yard reception for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 2, 2016.
Demaryius Thomas celebrates his 4-yard touchdown catch with Emmanuel Sanders on Oct. 24, 2016.
Demaryius Thomas outmuscles a Saints cornerback for a touchdown on Nov. 13, 2016.
Demaryius Thomas and Eric Studesville's son, Eric Jr., hang out before a walkthrough on Dec. 31, 2016.
Demaryius Thomas autographs a football before the Broncos' game against the Raiders on Jan. 1, 2017.
Demaryius Thomas stiff arms a Raiders defender on Jan. 1, 2017.
On his right arm, Demaryius Thomas sports tattoos recalling his first day as a Denver Bronco and the Super Bowl 50 trophies he won as part of the team.
At Demaryius Thomas' youth football camp at Mullen High School on July 7, 2017.
Demaryius Thomas takes a photo with a fan before a Broncos preseason game on Aug. 31, 2017.
Demaryius Thomas takes a photo with Malachi, a child who toured UCHealth Training Center and met players on Sept. 29, 2017 as part of his Make-A-Wish experience.
Demaryius Thomas smiles as he meets a baby girl, who visited practice during a family member's Make-A-Wish visit to UCHealth Training Center.
Demaryius Thomas meets Children's Hospital Colorado Junior Reporter Caleb Aldrich after practice at UCHealth Training Center on Sept. 27, 2017.
Demaryius Thomas is introduced to the home crowd before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 19, 2017.
Demaryius Thomas runs out onto the field during pregame player introductions on Nov. 19, 2017.
Demaryius Thomas huddles with the team in the locker room after the Broncos beat the New York Jets on Dec. 10, 2017.
Demaryius Thomas catches a touchdown pass against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 19, 2017.
Demaryius Thomas, dressed as Santa Claus, gives a big hug to kids during the Boys & Girls Club Holiday Party at UCHealth Training Center on Dec. 18, 2017.
Demaryius Thomas, dressed as Santa Claus, visits the Boys & Girls Club Holiday Party at UCHealth Training Center on Dec. 18, 2017.
Demaryius Thomas poses with Matt Paradis at a walkthrough practice at UCHealth Training Center on Dec. 13, 2017.
Demaryius Thomas shows his excitement in the tunnel before player introductions for the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 1, 2018.
Demaryius Thomas autographs a jersey a young boy is wearing after a training camp practie on Aug. 9, 2018.
Demaryius Thomas stretches during training camp at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 5, 2018.
Demaryius Thomas celebrates with Tim Patrick and Emmanuel Sanders after hearing his touchdown counts during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 9, 2018.
Demaryius Thomas in the tunnel pregame before the Broncos' preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 11, 2018.
Chase, a Children's Hospital Colorado Junior Reporter, receives an autographed helmet from Demaryius Thomas at UCHealth Training Center on Sept. 26, 2018.
Demaryius Thomas gives out high-fives to fans in the tunnel during player introductions before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Oct. 1, 2018.
Demaryius Thomas gets his feet in on a touchdown catch against the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 14, 2018.
Demaryius Thomas and Von Miller greet Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald after the Broncos' game against the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 18, 2018.
Just think of some Thomas' favorite moments:
Taking a bubble screen 78 yards for a score to tally Manning's seventh touchdown in a 2013 game against the Ravens.
Jumping above Darius Slay on fourth-and-1 to pad Denver's lead over Detroit in 2015.
Catching Manning's record-breaking 509th and 510th touchdowns against the 49ers.
And, of course, pulling in Tim Tebow's short pass to secure an improbable walk-off win vs. the Steelers.
Thomas seems destined to be enshrined in the Broncos' Ring of Fame when he becomes eligible, and he may one day have a chance to earn a gold jacket from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The on-field moments only tell part of the story, though.
In the community, Thomas was a player who often gave his time — and never wanted the recognition that followed.
He spent time at Children's Hospital Colorado, was a frequent part of Broncos' Make-A-Wish visits and hung out at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club.
On more than one occasion, Thomas asked to visit the Boys & Girls Club or a local hospital with just a single stipulation: no media coverage.
It was more than just talk for Thomas, who always seemed most comfortable when he was joking and playing with kids. And though they were always thrilled to be around one of Denver's most recognizable players, D.T. often appeared to get the most out of the interactions.
Take one December night in 2017, when Thomas dressed up as Santa Claus for the Boys & Girls Club's holiday party. No one smiled brighter that night than No. 88.
It's these actions that ensure Thomas won't be remembered in Broncos Country in a singular way. He won't be just the receiving yards or just the touchdown against the Steelers.
That's not to discount his play in any fashion. Thomas was a generational player who was worth every bit of the first-round pick the Broncos spent on him in 2010.
But the four-time team captain also deserves recognition for his contributions to the community and to the locker room.
And certainly, Thomas would acknowledge the ways in which being a Bronco has affected his own life.
When the Broncos visited the White House in 2016 after winning Super Bowl 50, Thomas got the chance to deliver a letter to President Barack Obama to thank him for commuting Thomas' mother's prison sentence, which she received for a nonviolent drug offense.
Obama's decision allowed Thomas' mother to see her son play in person during Super Bowl 50.
Thomas' letter also addressed his grandmother's status, as she was then seeking a commuted sentence. She has since been released, as well.
It's not a stretch to say Thomas' life has changed quite a bit during his nine years with the Broncos.
And perhaps that's what makes goodbye difficult. This fan base has watched Thomas help deliver five AFC West titles, two Super Bowl berths and a Lombardi Trophy. Broncos Country has seen a 22-year-old rookie grow up to be the longest-tenured Bronco.
On Sunday, when the Texans visit the Broncos, those same fans will get the chance to shower Thomas with their appreciation. It will be their first chance, but not their last. It's a near certainty that Thomas' bust will eventually take its place among the other Ring of Fame pillars outside Broncos Stadium at Mile High.
He's certainly earned it over the last nine years, and that should provide some solace, even as Thomas' playing career in Denver appears to be over.
No. 88 will be back.
We'll see you soon, D.T.
