Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Courtland Sutton shares how he honors Demaryius Thomas ahead of posthumous Ring of Fame induction

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 12:14 PM ET

Every Saturday during the season, Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton orders donuts for everyone in the facility.

Sutton, 30, does so because the sweet treats brighten the mood in the building, and the routine helps him remember an old friend.

Former Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas started the tradition and passed it down to Sutton during his rookie season in 2018. He kept it going even after the WR was traded to the Houston Texans in October of that season. It became even more meaningful after his former teammate died due to complications from a seizure disorder in December 2021.

Courtland Sutton discusses continuing the tradition

"It felt like it was one of those things every Saturday I get a chance to call in and order donuts, it's a little wink," Sutton told the media Wednesday. "He's always still around."

Demaryius Thomas left a lasting impact on Courtland Sutton ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uM0BresR30
— NFL (@NFL) October 16, 2025

Many don't know the origin of the weekly donut delivery. Sutton is now in his eighth season with the team, and Thomas retired in June 2021. But for those who do, it reminds them of his lasting effect on the organization.

"It's one of those things that, for myself and the people that got to spend time with him and understand where the donuts came from, it's a reminder that he still gets to be here," Sutton said. "He may not be physically, but he has such a lasting impact that he's not going anywhere from this organization any time soon."

In nine seasons with the Broncos, Thomas made five Pro Bowls, won a Super Bowl and finished second in team history in receiving yards (9,055) behind Rod Smith (11,389). He also produced one of the franchise's more memorable plays. In a 29-23 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild-Card round in January 2012, the WR scored the winning 80-yard TD on a short pass from quarterback Tim Tebow.

Demaryius Thomas will always be a @Broncos legend.

(Jan. 8, 2012) @TimTebow @DemaryiusT pic.twitter.com/2KXnXwlf7i
— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) October 30, 2018

Thomas will posthumously be inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame ahead of Sunday's home game against the New York Giants. It's a well-deserved honor.

"D.T. means the world to me," Sutton said. "I have been waiting for this day of him getting his recognition from this organization, because of all the things he's done for the Broncos organization."

That includes reminding Sutton to bring the boxes of donuts, which keeps Thomas' spirit alive.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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