ENGLEWOOD – Pat Surtain II has reached a significant milestone in his career as he was named an AFC starter for the Pro Bowl Games, placing him alongside Denver Broncos legends and surpassing his father’s achievements in the process. Surtain now joins the ranks of safety Steve Atwater and outside linebacker Von Miller as the only players in Broncos history to make the Pro Bowl in four of their first five seasons. Surtain has also surpassed his father, Pat Surtain, a former NFL cornerback who made three Pro Bowl appearances from 1998 to 2008.
“I’ve got bragging rights now,” Surtain proclaimed with laughter after practice at Broncos Park. “He can’t say too much now. But I think it’s definitely great for the legacy, great for the Surtain lineage for sure. It’s definitely something that I dreamed of for sure. Just keep on perfecting my craft and keep on holding that name strong.”
The Broncos celebrated an impressive day with a total of six players selected for the Pro Bowl. In addition to Surtain, tackle Garett Bolles, guard Quinn Meinerz, and linebacker Nik Bonitto were named as starters, while wide receiver Courtland Sutton and defensive tackle Zach Allen earned reserve spots.
Coach Sean Payton expressed his excitement for the players during a team meeting where he announced the selections. This marks Surtain’s fourth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, while Bonitto made his second consecutive appearance and Sutton will return after a six-year hiatus since his last selection in 2019; the others are first-time selections.
Bolles, who is in his ninth NFL season, expressed the emotional weight of his selection, stating, “It was a pretty special moment. I’ve always been doubted and not appreciated in my life, but to be able to be appreciated in this organization that I love dearly, and the hard work that I put in, it’s a huge honor.”
As the Broncos prepare for Thursday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, they boast the best record in the NFL at 12-3, leading to a notable number of Pro Bowl selections. This marks the first time since 2016 that the Broncos have had six players selected. Additionally, several Broncos players felt more of their teammates deserved recognition, as evidenced by the presence of seven Pro Bowl alternates, including quarterback Bo Nix and safety Talanoa Hufanga.
Surtain spoke highly of Hufanga, noting, “I think he definitely got snubbed. He means a lot to this defense.” Payton concurred, asserting that Hufanga should have made the roster, given his strong performance and popularity among fans.
The Pro Bowl Games are set for February 3 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, ahead of Super Bowl LX on February 8 in Santa Clara, California. In a notable shift from its traditional format, the Pro Bowl has transitioned to a flag football event with various skill competitions, moving away from the tackling game that characterized the event previously.
Meinerz, who turned down an alternate spot last season, expressed his honor in being named a starter but emphasized that he doesn’t play for individual accolades. He reflected on last season’s disappointments regarding Pro Bowl selections, noting that the voting process can often resemble a popularity contest.
As the season approaches its conclusion, Bonitto, who leads the Broncos in sacks, further shared his excitement, stating, “Just being able to watch it, growing up all the time, and picturing myself one day being able to live out that type of dream, it’s been very surreal for me.” Sutton, leading the team in receptions, echoed sentiments of gratitude for the opportunity to perform at a Pro Bowl level once again.
For Surtain II, being mentioned alongside legends like Atwater and Miller adds to the significance of his accomplishments. He is proud to continue the Surtain legacy while firmly establishing his own identity in the NFL. This moment not only signifies personal achievement but also highlights the prowess of the Broncos’ current roster as they aim for further success this season and beyond.