In four NFL seasons, Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II has established himself as one of the top defensive players in the league. He has earned three Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pro honors, and was named the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year.
Instead of resting on his accolades, Surtain is looking forward to the 2025 NFL season. He recently told reporters that he is laser-focused on the one prize that has eluded him so far in his career.
The Broncos Ended Their Playoff Drought, So Now Patrick Surtain II Shares His New Ambition
With Surtain leading the defense and rookie quarterback Bo Nix exceeding expectations in year one, the Broncos defied preseason expectations and finished 10-7 in the regular season. They made their first playoff appearance since 2015, snapping the league’s second-longest active postseason drought.
Though the Broncos’ return to the playoffs ended in a humbling 31-7 defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round, the 2024 season is regarded as a significant success in Denver.
Not only did the Broncos find their franchise quarterback in Nix, but they also assembled one of the most dominant defenses in the league. They led the NFL with a franchise record 63 sacks. PFSN’s Defense+ metric doesn’t show that changing anytime soon, as they rank them first in the NFL for 2025.
Edge rushers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper combined for 24 sacks, while interior defensive lineman Zach Allen added 8.5 more, anchoring a relentless front seven. Surtain was the leader of their secondary, but the emergence of cornerback Riley Moss added another dimension to their defense.
Now, Surtain has set his sights on another goal. While he still aims for personal accolades and recognition as one of the best, he has emphasized that his main objective is to win a Lombardi Trophy.
“There’s always something out there to do better,” Surtain told reporters at his youth camp, reflecting on his stellar 2024 campaign. “Why not get another (award)? Why not get more All-Pros? But I think the main goal is to win a Super Bowl. At the end of the day, that’s what I play the game for. To win.”
After winning DPOY, Pat Surtain is most focused on bringing a fourth Lombardi to the Broncos.
“The main goal is to win the Super Bowl” pic.twitter.com/JgDvbhwwFD
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) June 28, 2025
Surtain’s ambition is backed by a retooled defense hungry for postseason success. The team’s defense was already viewed as dominant, but offseason additions could take it to another level.
The Broncos added proven winners in safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the San Francisco 49ers. The team also bolstered its cornerback room, drafting former Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Surtain on Year Two of the Bo Nix Experience
While Surtain’s Super Bowl aspirations likely hinge on the defense, he is equally as excited about the Broncos’ offense this upcoming season. Specifically, he’s looking forward to watching Nix in his second season in head coach Sean Payton’s offense.
Speaking about the quarterback’s growth, Surtain recently praised Nix’s leadership and confidence, saying he’s “very excited” to watch him this season. After watching Nix throw for nearly 3,800 yards and 29 touchdowns as a rookie, Surtain believes the best is yet to come.
Pat Surtain II is “really excited” for what Bo Nix is going to do for the offense in Year 2. pic.twitter.com/ctIjQ7Tqh2
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) June 28, 2025
With Surtain anchoring the defense and Nix leading the offense, the Broncos have their sights on Super Bowl 60 in Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. While the path won’t be easy in a competitive AFC, the Broncos’ All-Pro cornerback believes they have the talent to make a deep playoff run.