Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II Named AP Defensive Player of the Year

For the first time since 1978, a Denver Bronco has been named the A.P. Defensive Player of the Year. Announced on Thursday night at the NFL Honors ceremony, Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II was named the DPoY.

🔒⬇️🎮@PatSurtainll is the 2024 @AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year‼️ pic.twitter.com/FnpCqno4XP
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) February 7, 2025

“Before the season even started, it’s something that I manifested—having a great year, having these expectations, reaching the playoffs, getting All-Pros, getting Defensive Player of the Year," Surtain said following the announcement. "It’s definitely a blessing at the end of the day, but I always tell myself, ‘There’s more work to do.’ I’m looking forward towards more success later on in my career.”

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Surtain's fourth year in the NFL was prolific. Garnering Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors, he turned in a campaign for the ages, and has been recognized with the equivalent of the NFL's defensive MVP award. He's now a three-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro.

Surtain earned multiple NFL awards this past season from various outlets, including PFWA Defensive Player of the Year, PFWA All-NFL team, AFC Defensive Player of the Month (November), and AFC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 5). He became just the seventh defensive back in NFL history to win the AP's DPoY.

Surtain broke up 11 passes, notched four interceptions, including a pick-six, and 45 tackles. According to NextGen Stats, he surrendered the fewest receiving yards (306) and the second-lowest passer rating when targeted (59.1) among cornerbacks (min. 375 coverage snaps).

Winning it at 24 years old, only five players have won the DPoY at a younger age than Surtain. That list is Luke Kuechly (2013), J.J. Watt (2012), Cortez Kennedy (1992), Lawrence Taylor (1981 & '82), and Jack Lambert (1976).

Son of the famous Patrick Surtain Sr., Pat was the Broncos' first-round pick out of Alabama in 2021 (No. 9 overall). He earned a starting job out of the gates and is already a leader and team captain.

Surtain is just getting started.

You were born for this, @PatSurtainll.

So why not be legendary? pic.twitter.com/zer7clPYeA
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) February 7, 2025

Hall-of-Famer Randy Gradishar is the only other Bronco to ever win the Defensive Player of the Year award. Congrats to Surtain, his family, and the Broncos.

Surtain's award is emblematic of the new trajectory the Broncos are on as a franchise. Sean Payton has turned the ship around, and with quarterback Bo Nix entering his prime and Surtain in tow, the Broncos are poised to be a playoff contender for the foreseeable future.

To quote Payton, the Broncos "are gonna be a problem" for the NFL.

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