Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II has been named the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, marking a historic achievement for both himself and the University of Alabama. Surtain's exceptional performance throughout the 2022-2023 season earned him this well-deserved recognition.
Former Alabama and current Denver Broncos standout cornerback Pat Surtain II was named the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year during the NFL Honors on Thursday night. Surtain earned the prestigious award over Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt. This marks the first time a Crimson Tide player has won the award since its inception in 1971.
Surtain also joins an elite group of seven cornerbacks to receive the honor, including Stephon Gilmore, Charles Woodson, Deion Sanders, Rod Woodson, Lester Hayes and Mel Blount. In his acceptance speech, Surtain gave thanks to his personal faith, his family for their unwavering support, the Broncos organization for their belief in him, and his teammates for helping him reach his full potential. He stated, 'First and foremost, I want to give all the praise to my lord and savior Jesus Christ. I mean, without him I wouldn't have been in this position. Secondly, I'd like to thank my family––mom, pops for setting the blueprint and turning a young man into a grown man and I want to thank y'all. I'd also like to thank the Broncos organization for believing in me, trusting me, allowing me to grow and being the player I am today. Lastly, I'd like to thank my teammates for helping me reach my full potential and being the best person I can be, man. So thank y'all and have a blessed one.'The AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award caps off a historic season for Surtain, who was previously recognized as an AP First Team All-Pro, NFLPA's All-Pro First Team, Pro Bowler, PFWA All-NFL player, 101 Awards' AFC Defensive Player of the Year and Demaryius Thomas Team MVP. This recognition also marks the second time Surtain has earned All-Pro First Team honors in his career, placing him in an exclusive group of only eight other Crimson Tide players, including Don Hutson, John Hannah, Dwight Stephenson, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Julio Jones, Derrick Thomas and Marlon Humphrey, who have achieved this multiple times.During the 2022-2023 season, Surtain led all cornerbacks in several key defensive categories, including fewest yards allowed, fewest yards allowed per coverage snap, lowest target rate in coverage, fewest air yards per target, and he did not miss a single tackle. The Broncos selected Surtain with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft after a standout collegiate career at Alabama, where he was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, an Unanimous All-American, and played a crucial role in the Crimson Tide's 2020 CFP National Championship victory. In three years at Alabama, Surtain recorded 117 tackles, 27 pass breakups, four interceptions and four forced fumbles.
AP NFL Defensive Player Of The Year Pat Surtain II Denver Broncos Alabama Crimson Tide NFL Honors
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