Getty Patrick Surtain (right) celebrates an interception with safety Justin Simmons.
It has been two years in the making, but the Denver Broncos finally have a player nominated for the Pro Bowl. Starting cornerback Patrick Surtain II is the first Broncos player to be selected to the all-star games since defensive end Bradley Chubb and safety Justin Simmons in 2020.
The 2021 first-round pick has become one of the best to play his position in just his second season. Surtain is in a three-way tie for second place on the Broncos with two interceptions, behind Simmons, who has five. Surtain does lead the defense in pass breakups with 10, four away from his 14 a season ago.
Being selected to the NFL’s Pro Bowl runs in the Surtain family. Patrick Surtain Sr. played defensive back for the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs across his 11 seasons, going to the Pro Bowl three times and named first-team All-Pro in 2002.
Though his statistics might not be as flashy as his 2021 campaign’s, Surtain has certainly graded out as one of the NFL’s premier corners, according to Pro Football Focus. He is second in the league, behind the New York Jets’ Sauce Gardner, among cornerbacks with an 85.0 grade.
Patrick Surtain II has allowed just 35 yards or fewer in 11 games this season 🔒
Surtain has matched up against some of the league’s best receivers this season. He played across Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders and, according to Next Gen Stats, forced more tight window throws (5) than receptions allowed (4). In Week 3, defending against the San Francisco 49ers‘ Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, Surtain didn’t allow a single reception and had two forced incompletions. Time and time again, the Broncos’ star cornerback has shown he is one of the NFL’s elite.
Justin Simmons Selected as Pro-Bowl Alternate
When the Pro Bowl selections were announced December 21, it was a surprise to many in Broncos Country that safety Simmons was not on the list. Though Simmons did not make the initial roster, he is a first alternate.
Simmons is in the conversation for the NFL’s best safety with five interceptions, which tie him for second in the league. He is the only NFL player with three or more interceptions in the last five seasons, according to Fox Sports.
Another one. 🚫
📺: FOX | @jsimms1119
Though the Broncos (4-10) have struggled, their defense has been a bright spot under first-year defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. A big reason for their success is Surtain’s and Simmons’ performance on the field and leadership in the locker room.
Both will be a part of the Broncos’ future as Surtain is still under his rookie contract for another two seasons and a potential fifth-year option, while Simmons signed a four-year, $61 million extension in March 2022.
Surtain & Simmons React on Social Media
Simmons wasn’t selected to the first-team Pro Bowl roster, but that didn’t stop him from supporting Surtain’s first-time selection.
Surtain took to the Broncos’ official Twitter page to send out a thank you to those in Broncos Country who nominated him in the fan voting.
Make us proud, @PatSurtainll 🫶
When the regular season ends, fans can catch Surtain in the first-ever Pro Bowl Games February 5 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Tickets are on sale now.