ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — A pair of Broncos have earned All-Pro honors from their peers.
Cornerback Pat Surtain II and punt returner Marvin Mims Jr. were named to the third annual NFLPA Players' All-Pro team, the NFL Players Association announced Wednesday.
Their selection marks the first time the Broncos have had a pair of players selected, as Surtain was the lone representative in each of the last two years.
The honor is separate from the Associated Press' All-Pro team and is voted on solely by NFL players.
Surtain, who has already been named to the Pro Bowl Games, is one of seven players who has been named to the team in each of its first three years. Among the favorites for Defensive Player of the Year, Surtain tied his career high in interceptions while also recording 11 passes defensed, a 100-yard pick six, a forced fumble and fumble recovery and 45 tackles.
Surtain's impact, though, extends far beyond the box score. In matchups this season against five AFC Pro Bowlers — Zay Flowers, Jerry Jeudy, Ja'Marr Chase, Travis Kelce and Brock Bowers — Surtain was targeted 16 times on 92 routes and allowed six catches for 56 yards, no touchdowns and an 8.3 passer rating while recording two interceptions. When Surtain didn't line up against those players, they recorded 38 catches on 52 targets for 606 yards, five touchdowns and a 143.5 quarterback rating.
Mims, who also earned Pro Bowl honors for the second consecutive season, led the NFL in punt return average with 15.7 yards per return. The second-year player made a number of game-changing plays, including a 61-yard return against the Colts that set up a go-ahead touchdown. Mims is the first Broncos player to the lead the NFL in punt-return average since Ring of Famer Rick Upchurch in 1982.
The Players' All-Pro team is voted on by NFL players, and they vote for their peers in the respective position group in which they compete and the position groups they compete against. Players are ineligible for the honor if they've missed five or more games as of Week 15, and players cannot vote for themselves or their teammates.
