Patrick Surtain II: From Tuscaloosa to NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Patrick Surtain II has etched his name into NFL history, capturing the prestigious 2024 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.1 This monumental achievement solidifies Surtain’s place among the league’s elite and underscores his transformative impact on the Denver Broncos’ defense. From his days as a standout cornerback at the University of Alabama to his meteoric rise in the NFL, Surtain’s journey has been marked by exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Surtain’s path to NFL stardom began in Tuscaloosa, where he donned the crimson and white of the Alabama Crimson Tide.2 Following in the footsteps of his father, Patrick Surtain Sr., a former NFL cornerback, Surtain II quickly established himself as a dominant force in college football. His exceptional size, speed, and instincts made him a coveted prospect, and he played a pivotal role in Alabama’s national championship victory in 2020. His collegiate accolades, including Unanimous All-American honors and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award, foreshadowed the greatness that was to come.
The Denver Broncos recognized Surtain’s immense potential and selected him in the first round (9th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft.3 The transition to the professional level was seamless, as Surtain immediately showcased his rare combination of skills. His ability to excel in both man and zone coverage, coupled with his exceptional ball skills and physicality, made him a matchup nightmare for opposing receivers. He quickly earned a reputation as a shutdown corner, capable of limiting the production of even the most talented wideouts.
Surtain’s impact on the Broncos’ defense has been undeniable. His presence has elevated the entire unit, instilling confidence and creating opportunities for his teammates. He’s not just a cornerback; he’s a game-changer, capable of altering the course of a game with a single play. His ability to generate turnovers, including a career-high four interceptions this season, has been instrumental in the Broncos’ defensive success. One interception in particular, a 100-yard pick-six against the Las Vegas Raiders, showcased his exceptional athleticism and instincts, highlighting his ability to not only defend but also contribute offensively.4
The 2024 season was a defining one for Surtain. He consistently shut down opposing receivers, often shadowing their top targets and erasing them from the game plan.5 His coverage skills were on full display week after week, as he blanketed receivers, disrupted routes, and made life difficult for quarterbacks. He wasn’t just defending passes; he was dictating the flow of the game.
The Defensive Player of the Year award is a testament to Surtain’s exceptional performance throughout the season. It recognizes his consistent dominance, his impact on the Broncos’ defense, and his ability to elevate the play of those around him. He joins an exclusive club of NFL legends, becoming only the second player in Broncos history to receive this prestigious honor, following in the footsteps of the legendary Randy Gradishar (1978). Notably, he is also the first cornerback to win the award since Stephon Gilmore in 2019, underscoring the rarity of a cornerback earning this recognition.
At just 24 years old, Surtain is one of the youngest players to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, further emphasizing his remarkable talent and potential.6 This accomplishment not only solidifies his place among the league’s current stars but also positions him as a future cornerstone of the Broncos’ franchise. His dedication to his craft, his unwavering focus, and his exceptional physical gifts suggest that he has a long and illustrious career ahead of him.
Patrick Surtain II’s journey from Tuscaloosa to NFL Defensive Player of the Year is a story of dedication, hard work, and exceptional talent. He has quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, and his impact on the Denver Broncos’ defense has been profound. As he continues to grow and develop, there’s no limit to what he can achieve. Patrick Surtain II is not just a star; he’s a force, and his future in the NFL is brighter than ever.
