The fourth-year pro was named the Defensive Player of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America.
Another day, another accolade for a member of the Denver Broncos.
Yesterday, rookie outside linebacker Jonah Elliss was recognized by the Pro Football Writers of America by being named to their All-Rookie Team. Earlier today, veteran cornerback Patrick Surtain II was named as their Defensive Player of the Year.
According to the PFWA, he is the first player in Broncos’ franchise history to obtain the accolade. I thought that was interesting considering Von Miller’s top-tier play for Denver over the course of his career. Additionally, he is only the fourth cornerback to earn the honor. He joins rare company alongside fellow cornerbacks Hall of Fame players Charles Woodson and Deion Sanders, and Stephon Gillmore who have received recognition in the past.
Twenty-eight of the previous 32 players chosen as Defensive Player of the Year by the PFWA went on to win the NFL’s official Defensive Player of the Year award, so PS2 earning the PFWA honor is probably a big deal: https://t.co/0WbaTaR4li
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) January 22, 2025
In his fourth year in the National Football League, Surtain put together his best season yet. He finished the regular season with 45 tackles, 11 passes defended, and 4 interceptions. His ability to shut down opposing receivers earned him a third-straight trip to the Pro-Bowl and a second All-Pro accolade of his career.
He allowed the fewest yards to receivers in the league in 2024. On top of that, he ranked at the top or among the top in most metrics and advanced analytics. Opposing quarterbacks only registered a paltry 58.9 quarterback rating throwing in his direction.
A first-round draft pick by George Paton in 2021, Surtain quickly cemented himself as one of the game’s best players. At just 24 years old, there is no doubt the two-time All-Pro has plenty of elite gridiron years ahead of him. The Broncos have certainly had a lot of great cornerbacks over the years, but Surtain is making a strong case to be one of the best to ever do it donning the orange and blue.
Congratulations to PS2 on this prestigious honor!