Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II can firmly cross off a coveted award from his list of personal goals after winning 2024 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday's NFL Honors.
While speaking Friday on NFL Network's Super Bowl Live, Surtain shared what it meant to walk up on stage to accept the award in front of the New Orleans crowd at Saenger Theater.
"When I got the award, it was like instant gratification," Surtain said. "Then having my family in attendance and the audience, it was a surreal moment for me and my family to capture that moment. Yeah, it was just amazing. It was something that I've written down on my goal sheet and to be able to have it into fruition, it's a blessing."
It's been a while since a cornerback took home the hardware. Surtain became the second defensive back to win the award since 2010. The previous DB to capture the honor was Stephon Gilmore in 2019, when he was with the New England Patriots.
Surtain, who was named to the 2024 All-Pro Team, also became just the second Broncos defender to win Defensive Player of the Year, ending a 46-year drought dating back to linebacker Randy Gradishar winning back in 1978.
Surtain's ability to lock down the opposing team's top receiver helped allow Denver's defense to pressure opposing quarterbacks, as the unit ranked first in the NFL with 63 sacks in 2024. Meanwhile, the Broncos offense emerged as well under rookie signal-caller Bo Nix.
In Nix's first season, the Broncos went 10-7 and clinched a playoff appearance, the team's first since its Super Bowl-winning 2015 season. Nix threw for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, plus 430 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.
Surtain praised Nix's season, especially how the first-year QB elevated head coach Sean Payton's offense.
"I think Bo is well beyond his years, man," Surtain said. "When he came in, he came in with the utmost confidence. Just his poise and humble demeanor, you could tell he was ready for the brightest stages in the NFL. Speaking of that, his leadership played a big role in that toward our success, too.
"For him to be able to bring in the locker room and bring in the offense with his command and his charge, it was awesome to see, especially as a rookie. It's hard to come in as a rookie and have instant success like he's had. We have the utmost belief in Bo, and I'm looking forward to his future."
While Nix commanded the offense, Surtain did the same on defense. He didn't allow more than 50 receiving yards in a game in coverage. He also racked up four interceptions, one forced fumble and returned an INT for a touchdown.
Surtain did all that, often against the opponent's No. 1 wideout, a challenge he relished every time out.
"I think it's fun. I always look forward to those challenges each and every week," Surtain said. "That's what I do, man. I try to go in and lock down the opposing team's best receiver. That's what I do, so, I think it's always a challenge to go up against the best. I live for it and look toward those matchups at the end of the day. It's always good knowing that you are going up against the best, competing at a high level each and every Sunday."
