Two Broncos Nominated for Madden Team of the Year

There haven’t been many silver linings for the Denver Broncos in recent years. Then again, the Broncos defense has led a proud and vigorous fight against opponents, spearheaded by the elite talent and leadership of two of the team's most prized players in the defensive backfield.

On the team website this week, we learned that All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II and second-team All-Pro Justin Simmons have been nominated to represent the Broncos in Madden’s Team of the Year.

“Both Pat Surtain II and Justin Simmons have received their share of recognition this year, but the accolades aren’t quite finished,” wrote Ben Swanson. “EA Sports’ Madden NFL has nominated 98 of the top players from last season as candidates for the Madden NFL 23 Team of the Year, and fans are in charge of voting for who makes the cut.”

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Simmons is coming off his third All-Pro nod (2019, 2021, 2022) after landing in Denver as a third-round draft pick in 2016 out of Boston College. The defensive team captain is also the NFL’s interceptions co-leader for the 2022 season.

Last year, the 29-year-old safety started in 12 games and recorded 69 tackles (42 solos), two tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, seven passes defended, and six interceptions.

Other candidates for the safety position include Antoine Winfield (Tampa), Kevin Byard (Tennessee), Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pittsburgh), and Tyrann Mathieu (New Orleans).

‘PS2’ is fresh off his first Pro Bowl appearance after earning All-Pro honors in 2022. Surtain was drafted out of Alabama with the ninth overall pick in 2021.

As a rookie, the cornerback was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and has quickly become one of the elite players at his position. Last season, Surtain started 17 games and logged 60 tackles (46 solos), two tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, 10 passes defended, and two picks.

Surtain joins fellow cornerback candidates Jalen Ramsey (Rams), Marlon Humphrey (Baltimore), and Stephon Gilmore (Indianapolis).

Broncos fans have until February 22 to vote for Surtain and Simmons to make the Madden NFL 2023 Team of the Year. Vote here.

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