For the first time since 1978, a Denver Broncos has been named the A.P. Defensive Player of the Year. Announced on Thursday night at the NFL Honors ceremony, Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II was named the DPoY.

NFL mistakes Denver Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II for Browns Edge Rusher Myles Garrettt after Surtain wins NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

The NFL's best defensive player once again resides in the Mile High City. The NFL's 2025 Defensive Player of the Year award was given to Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Surtain beat out Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson,

Why not?” Surtain told Catie Chesire of Westword. “Put me at receiver. Let me make a couple plays here and there. I could do it. Whatever route you need me to, whatever you need me to do, I'm there.

Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II won the AP NFL defensive player of the year award with 26 first-place votes.

Surtain was named 2024 Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year at NFL Honors on Thursday, becoming just the second player in franchise history to earn the award. Denver's standout cornerback joins Randy Gradishar, who won in 1978, as the only Broncos to win the NFL's top defensive honor.