Broncos' cornerback Patrick Surtain II has already risen to become one of the greatest defenders in the NFL. Surtain, the ninth-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, entering just his fifth year in the league, has made the Pro Bowl every season since his rookie campaign.
The Broncos' young superstar is already a two-time All-Pro and won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024. Surtain is only 24 years old, making him the third youngest player ever to win the award, behind only Luke Kuechly, Lawrence Taylor, and JJ Watt.
Yet, with such a stellar start to Surtain's career, the Broncos star said at his annual gala, held by his foundation last week, that he can "always get better."
That mindset is what has enabled him to rise to this point and become a leader for his teammates on the Broncos' defense.
Back in early April, Broncos Hall of Famer Champ Bailey shared his impression of the young Broncos star while speaking to the Denver Post.
"His ceiling is as high as anybody that's ever played the game. If he gets any better than he is now, he'll be mentioned among the greats," Bailey said. "There's no doubt about it. You win Defensive Player of the Year this young, and you've got more years ahead of you - I still don't feel like he's peaked yet."
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II on Radio Row at the Super Bowl LIX media center.
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II on Radio Row at the Super Bowl LIX media center.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
That's high praise from anyone, but especially one of the greatest players at your position in NFL history. Bailey would know what it's like to be mentioned among the greats.
The Broncos legend appeared in 12 Pro Bowls during his illustrious career and was named to three All-Pro teams. Bailey's historic career was capped off with his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2019.
Bailey was drafted seventh overall in the 1999 NFL Draft, two spots ahead of Surtain 21 years earlier. The Hall of Famer played 15 seasons in the NFL, with the final 10 years coming in Denver.
Surtain has already stamped his name in the history books, but this early in his career, he has a chance to put his name up with some of the greatest Broncos of all time.
No defensive back has ever won the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award multiple times. Surtain, at age 24, won his first, and he's only ascending.
He's already garnered the respect and praise of one of the greatest Broncos defenders of all time. With his work ethic and talent, he could put his name in that conversation if he continues to grow and improve his game from the exceptional level he's already achieved.