CONGRATULATIONS: Patrick Surtain II Named Colorado Sports Hall of Fame’s 2024 Professional Athlete of the Year
By [Your Name] | April 13, 2025
DENVER, CO — The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame has officially honored one of the brightest stars in the NFL and a cornerstone of the Denver Broncos defense: Patrick Surtain II has been named one of its 2024 Professional Athletes of the Year, solidifying his status not only as a fan favorite but as a generational talent making a lasting impact in the Centennial State.
This prestigious recognition comes on the heels of a phenomenal season in which Surtain continued to prove why he’s widely regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. His lockdown coverage, elite football IQ, and leadership both on and off the field were crucial to Denver’s resurgence under head coach Sean Payton.
A SEASON TO REMEMBER
Patrick Surtain II, the son of former NFL Pro Bowler Patrick Surtain Sr., entered the 2024 season with sky-high expectations—and somehow managed to exceed every one of them.
After being named to his second Pro Bowl, the former Alabama standout was also a First-Team All-Pro selection and finished the season with:
- 4 Interceptions
- 17 Passes Defended
- 64 Total Tackles
- A passer rating allowed under 65.0 when targeted
But beyond stats, it was Surtain’s ability to neutralize top receivers week after week that made him indispensable to Denver’s top-10-ranked defense.
LEADING A NEW ERA IN BRONCOS COUNTRY
In a year filled with transition—Sean Payton’s first full season at the helm, a quarterback shuffle, and major defensive overhauls—Surtain provided something every team desperately needs: stability and excellence.
“Pat is as technically sound and instinctive as any corner I’ve ever coached,” said Payton in a late-season press conference. “He doesn’t just show up on Sundays—he’s a professional, a leader, and someone our locker room leans on.”
Surtain’s impact was also felt in the locker room, where he took younger players like rookie DB Nick Emmanwori under his wing. “He leads by example,” said Emmanwori. “You just watch him prepare, and you get better.”
COLORADO SPORTS HALL OF FAME HONORS
Being named one of the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame’s Professional Athletes of the Year places Surtain in elite company. The Hall, which has honored legendary names like John Elway, Peyton Manning, and Joe Sakic, seeks to recognize individuals who not only excel in performance but embody the values of sportsmanship, character, and community involvement.
This year, Surtain was celebrated not only for his athletic prowess, but also for his community outreach and philanthropic work, particularly his ongoing support of mental health initiatives and youth sports programs in the Denver metro area.
“It’s a huge honor,” Surtain said in an interview following the announcement. “There are so many great athletes in this state, and to be mentioned among them—it means the world to me. I love this city, I love these fans, and I’m just getting started.”
COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY
Off the field, Surtain has become a fixture in the Denver community. Through his PSII Foundation, he’s supported underprivileged youth with mentorship programs, football camps, and scholarship funds. He’s also partnered with local schools and nonprofit organizations to promote educational success and mental wellness.
In 2024, he helped launch the “Play With Purpose” initiative in partnership with the Broncos and the NFL Foundation, encouraging middle schoolers across Colorado to combine athletic participation with academic goals.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR SURTAIN & THE BRONCOS?
The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for both Surtain and the Broncos. Fresh off a solid 9-8 campaign that narrowly missed the playoffs, Denver’s front office has doubled down on their core stars—extending Surtain’s contract last season to a record-setting five-year, $96 million deal.
That deal made him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL, and based on his 2024 performance, it’s looking like a bargain.
With new additions on offense (including TE Evan Engram) and a retooled defensive line, the Broncos look to Surtain as the foundation of their Super Bowl hopes.
“We’re close,” Surtain told reporters after the season finale. “It’s about consistency now. We’ve got the talent, the coaching, and the mindset to make a real run.”
FAN & MEDIA REACTIONS
The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame announcement has ignited excitement among Broncos fans and sports media alike.
“He’s a generational cornerback,” said NFL Network analyst James Palmer. “When you watch tape, he’s basically eliminating WR1s every single week. That’s incredibly rare in today’s NFL.”
Social media also erupted with praise:
- @BroncosCountry4Life: “Surtain deserves all the flowers. Best CB in the league. FACTS.”
- @MileHighManiac: “From Alabama to Denver legend in 4 years. Congrats PS2!! #BroncosCountry”
LEGACY IN THE MAKING
At only 25 years old, Surtain has already accomplished more than most do in a decade-long career. From top draft pick (No. 9 overall in 2021), to Pro Bowler, to franchise cornerstone—and now, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame honoree—he’s writing one of the most compelling stories in Broncos history.
And if you ask him, he’s just getting started.
“This is home,” Surtain said during the award ceremony. “I want to bring a championship back to Denver. I want to be one of the all-time greats—and I want to do it right here in orange and blue.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
Patrick Surtain II is more than just a shutdown corner—he’s a symbol of everything the modern athlete should be. Talented, humble, driven, and dedicated to community.
As the Broncos prepare for what they hope will be a breakthrough 2025 season, they’ll do so with one of the best in the business patrolling the secondary—and now, one of Colorado’s most celebrated professional athletes of the year.
Congratulations, PS2. Colorado sees you..
