NFL 101 Awards have named Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II the AFC Defensive Player of the Year. In 16 games played during the 2024 season, Surtain recorded 45 total tackles, four interceptions,

Surtain, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was also honored as a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press for the second time in his career. On Monday, he was one of four Bronco players, including outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, punt returner Marvin Mims Jr. and right guard Quinn Meinerz, to be named to the PFWA’s All-NFL team.

The Denver Broncos surprised a lot of fans this season by making the playoffs in quarterback Bo Nix’s rookie year. The team went 10-7 and secured the No. 7 seed in the AFC, riding Nix's command of the offense and an elite defense.

Surtain is the third player in franchise history to be named the 101 Awards’ AFC Defensive Player of the Year, joining Lyle Alzado (1977) and Hall of Famer Randy Gradishar (1978).

The defensive player of the year often is a guy who gets a lot of sacks or a lot of interceptions. Broncos Patrick Surtain II did neither. He was still the finest defensive player in the NFL for the 2024 season. And so Surtain is the PFT 2024 NFL defensive player of the year.

The reaction was overwhelming on social media almost immediately, though one of the most prominent voices to comment belonged to Denver Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain II. "C'mon man, what we supposed to do when he sliding?" Surtain posted .

After allowing the fewest receiving yards at his position when targeted by opposing quarterbacks, Patrick Surtain II is the first Denver Bronco to be named the Pro Football Writers of America 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 D