ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Following a dominant 2024 campaign, cornerback Pat Surtain II is a finalist for the league's top defensive honor.
The Broncos' lockdown cornerback was named one of the five finalists for 2024 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year, the NFL announced Thursday. The winner will be announced at NFL Honors on Thursday, Feb. 6.
Surtain would become just the second Broncos player in franchise history to earn AP Defensive Player of the Year honors.
One of the Broncos' team captains, Surtain played a key role in Denver's defensive success all season, often eliminating opponents' top offensive weapons. In 92 coverage snaps against five AFC Pro Bowlers this season, Surtain allowed just six receptions on 16 targets for 56 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions and an 8.3 passer rating.
He also provided momentum boosts throughout the season with several game-changing plays. Surtain's biggest play of the season came in Week 5 vs. the Raiders, when he intercepted a pass and returned the ball 100 yards for a touchdown. Surtain added another interception later in the afternoon, marking the second multi-interception game of his career.
The AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November, Surtain posted his fourth consecutive season with double-digit passes defensed and matched his career high in interceptions.
For his dominant play this season, Surtain has already been named an Associated Press first-team All-Pro, NFLPA Players' first-team All-Pro, Pro Bowler, PFWA All-NFL player, 101 Award AFC Defensive Player of the Year, PFWA Defensive Player of the Year and Demaryius Thomas Team MVP.
At NFL Honors, Surtain will look to become the first cornerback to win AP Defensive Player of the Year honors since Stephon Gilmore in 2019.
The Eagles' Zach Baun, Browns' Myles Garrett, Bengals' Trey Hendrickson and Steelers' T.J. Watt are also nominated for the award.
In addition to Surtain's nomination, Head Coach Sean Payton is nominated for AP Coach of the Year and quarterback Bo Nix is nominated for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.