_(cropped).jpg) Surtain with theDenver Broncos in 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| No. 2 – Denver Broncos | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Cornerback | ||||||||||||||
| Roster status | Active | ||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||
| Born | (2000-04-14)April 14, 2000 (age 25) Plantation, Florida, U.S. | ||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||||||
| Weight | 202 lb (92 kg) | ||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||
| High school | American Heritage(Plantation) | ||||||||||||||
| College | Alabama (2018–2020) | ||||||||||||||
| NFL draft | 2021: 1st round, 9th overall pick | ||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics as of Week 7, 2025 | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Patrick Frank Surtain II (/sərˈtæn/sər-TAN; born April 14, 2000) is an American professionalfootballcornerback for theDenver Broncos of theNational Football League (NFL). He playedcollege football for theAlabama Crimson Tide and was selected ninth overall by the Broncos in the2021 NFL draft.
Surtain II attendedAmerican Heritage School inPlantation, Florida. He was coached by his father,Patrick Surtain, who played in theNational Football League (NFL).[1][2] Surtain II played in the 2018U.S. Army All-American Bowl. A five-star recruit, he committed to playcollege football at theUniversity of Alabama in 2018.[3][4]
As a true freshman at Alabama in 2018, Surtain II started 12 games and recorded 37 tackles and aninterception.[5][6][7] He returned to Alabama as a starter in 2019.[8][9]
As a sophomore in2019, he totaled 42 tackles, three forced fumbles, eight pass breakups, two interceptions (24 return yards), a fumble recovery, and one quarterback pressure.[10]
In2020, he again returned as a starter at cornerback, earning several preseason All-American honors.[10] Surtain helped guide the Crimson Tide to a 13–0 record and a National Championship win overOhio State.[11]
He was named defensive MVP of the 2021Rose Bowl.[12] He declared for the NFL draft shortly afterwards.[13]
"When you look at the testing stuff and start there, it’s outstanding numbers. You kind of put him up, side by side, withJalen Ramsey, just from a testing standpoint, it’s eerily similar. I think they were a pound different. Very similar across the board in what they did there."[14]
Pro Football Focus ranked Surtain as the top cornerback prospect (13th overall) in the2021 NFL draft.[15] Mark Schofield of Touchdown Wire, Lorenz Leinweber ofSports Illustrated, and NFL analystBucky Brooks also ranked him as the top cornerback.[16] Dane Brugler ofThe Athletic ranked him as the second best cornerback prospect.[17] Rob Rang ofFox Sports had Surtain ranked as the best cornerback prospect (sixth overall).[18][19] NFL analystDaniel Jeremiah had Surtain ranked first among all cornerbacks (10th overall).[20]Mel Kiper Jr. ofESPN had him as the second best cornerback (17th overall).[20] NFL draft analysts unanimously projected Surtain to be selected in the first round.[21]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 Alabama CB Patrick Surtain's Pro Day | |
| Patrick Surtain II 40-yard dash |
"Pat’s got great physical ability, he's got great length, but he’s smart and very, very instinctive. So he always plays faster in the game. Because he is smart, he does a great job of preparing."[14]
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 208 lb (94 kg) | 32+1⁄2 in (0.83 m) | 10 in (0.25 m) | 4.41 s | 1.57 s | 2.60 s | 39.0 in (0.99 m) | 10 ft 11 in (3.33 m) | 18 reps | |||
| All values fromPro Day[22][23] | ||||||||||||
TheDenver Broncos selected Surtain in the first round (ninth overall) of the2021 NFL draft. He was the second cornerback drafted, immediately afterSouth Carolina cornerbackJaycee Horn (eighth overall).[24]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
| Broncos draft Surtain No. 9 overall | |
| NFL Draft Prospects: Patrick Surtain |
"I see a guy who as a former defensive back coach I would love to be able to work with. He has all of the traits you're looking for in a big-time NFL player."[14]
On May 18, 2021, the Broncos signed Surtain to a fully guaranteed four–year, $20.96 million contract that includes an initialsigning bonus of $12.60 million.[25][26]
Throughouttraining camp, he competed againstRonald Darby,Kyle Fuller, andBryce Callahan to be the No. 1 starting cornerback following the departure ofA. J. Bouye.[27] Head coachVic Fangio named Surtain the third cornerback on the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind starting veteran duo Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller.[28]
On September 12, 2021, Surtain made his professional regular season debut in the Denver Broncos' 27–13 loss at theNew York Giants in their season-opener. He was limited to 16 snaps on defense and unfortunately gave up a 37–yard touchdown pass to Giants' wide receiverSterling Shepard. Ronald Darby injured hishamstring during the Week 1 loss and was subsequently placed oninjured reserve. Defensive coordinatorEd Donatell appointed Surtain as his replacement at starting cornerback during his absence. On September 19, 2021, Surtain earned his first career start and recorded four combined tackles (two solo), broke up a pass, and made his first career interception off a pass thrown by fellow rookieTrevor Lawrence to wide receiverTyron Johnson during a 23–13 victory at theJacksonville Jaguars.[29] In Week 4, he racked up a season–high six solo tackles as the Broncos lost 7–23 to theBaltimore Ravens. On November 28, 2021, Surtain had five combined tackles (four solo), two pass deflections, a career-high two interception, and scored his first career touchdown during a 28–13 win over theLos Angeles Chargers. He made his second interception of the game during the fourth quarter on a pass thrown byJustin Herbert to running backAustin Ekeler and returned it for 70–yards to score a touchdown. His Week 11 performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[30][31] The following week, he made one solo tackle, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass byPatrick Mahomes as the Broncos were routed 9–22 at theKansas City Chiefs. He was inactive for a Week 18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs due to a calf injury.[32] He finished hisrookie season in2021 with 58 combined tackles (45 solo), 14 passes defended, four interceptions, and one touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts.[33] He was named to the 2021 All-Rookie Team byPro Football Focus and thePro Football Writers of America.[34][35]
On January 27, 2022, theDenver Broncos hiredGreen Bay Packers' offensive coordinatorNathaniel Hackett as their new head coach.[36] He entered training camp as thede facto No. 1 starting cornerback. Defensive coordinatorEjiro Evero named Surtain and Ronald Darby the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.[37] On October 6, 2022, he collected a season–high eight combined tackles (six solo), made two pass deflections, and forced a fumble during a 23–32 loss at theLas Vegas Raiders. In Week 15, Surtain recorded six combined tackles (four solo), two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass thrown byColt McCoy toDeAndre Hopkins as the Broncos defeated theArizona Cardinals 24–15. On December 26, 2022, the Denver Broncos fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett after only 15 games where they compiled a record of 4–11. Assistant coachJerry Rosburg was appointed as the interim head coach for the last two games of the season.[38][39] He started in all 17 games during the2022 NFL season and finished with a total of 60 combined tackles (46 solo), ten passes defended, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.[40] He earned first teamAll-Pro honors and was invited to the2023 Pro Bowl.[41][42] He was ranked 49th by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2023.[43]
On February 3, 2023, the Denver Broncos officially acquired formerNew Orleans Saints' head coachSean Payton in a trade to become their new head coach. This marked Surtain's third head coach and defensive coordinator in as many seasons.[44][45] Surtain returned as the No. 1 starting cornerback under new defensive coordinatorVance Joseph and was paired withDamarri Mathis to start the regular season.[46]
On September 10, 2023, Surtain started in the Denver Broncos' home–opener against theLas Vegas Raiders and made two solo tackles and a career–high three pass deflections during a 16–17 loss. On October 8, 2023, he recorded five combined tackles (four solo), one pass deflection, and made his only interception of the season off a pass attempt thrown byZach Wilson to wide receiverGarrett Wilson as the Broncos lost 21–31 loss to theNew York Jets. The following week, he collected a season–high seven solo tackles during an 8–19 loss at theKansas City Chiefs in Week 6. He started in all 17 regular season games during the2023 NFL season and had a career–high 69 combined tackles (59 solo), 12 pass deflections, and one interception.[47] He earnedPro Bowl honors and was invited to play in the2024 Pro Bowl.[48] He was ranked 52nd by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2024.[49]
On April 23, 2024, the Denver Broncos exercised the one–year, $19.8 million fifth–year option on Surtain's rookie contract.[50] He returned to training camp as the No. 1 starting cornerback and entered his second season under the same coaching staff for the first time of his career. Head coach Sean Payton named Surtain andRiley Moss the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.[51]
On September 4, 2024, the Denver Broncos signed Surtain to a four–year, $96 million contract extension that includes $77.5 million guaranteed with $40.68 million guaranteed upon signing and an initialsigning bonus of $15 million. This new deal keeps him under contract through the 2029 NFL season and made him the highest paiddefensive back inNFL history.[52][53][26]
On September 8, 2024, Surtain started in the Denver Broncos' season–opener at theSeattle Seahawks and racked up a season–high six combined tackles (four solo) and broke up a pass during a 20–26 loss. On October 6, 2024, Surtain recorded three combined tackles (two solo), made two pass deflections, had a career–high tying two interceptions, and returned one for his second career touchdown during a 34–18 win against theLas Vegas Raiders. During the second quarter, Surtain intercepted a pass attempt thrown byGardner Minshew to tight endBrock Bowers in the end–zone and returned it 100–yards to score a touchdown, becoming the second-longest pick-six in Broncos' franchise history, only behindAqib Talib’s 103-yard interception return touchdown against theDallas Cowboys in2017.[54] For his performance, Surtain was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[55] On October 13, 2024, Surtain exited after the first defensive snap during a 16–23 loss against theLos Angeles Chargers after suffering aconcussion during a collision with wide receiverLadd McConkey while trying to break up a pass. He remained in concussion protocol and subsequently missed a Week 7 victory at theNew Orleans Saints. He had started in 40 consecutive games prior to this injury and missed the first game since his rookie season. He returned the following week and made one solo tackle, one pass deflection, and intercepted a pass byBryce Young during a 28–14 win against theCarolina Panthers in Week 8. He finished the season with a total of 45 combined tackles (34 solo), 11 pass deflections, four interceptions, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and one touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts.[56] Surtain's 39 passes defended since 2021 are tied withDarius Slay for the league lead over that span.[57]
On February 6, 2025, Surtain was named the 2024AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year.[58] He was the first defensive back to win the award sinceStephon Gilmore in 2019. Surtain was the second player in Broncos history to receive the honor, joining linebackerRandy Gradishar who won it in 1978.[59]
In July 2025, Surtain became aJordan Brand athlete, signing an endorsement deal after meeting withMichael Jordan inGreece.[60][61] On theNFL Top 100 Players of 2025, Surtain was voted as the 10th-best player in the league by his fellow NFL players.
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| NFL Defensive Player of the Year | |
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Coverage | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Tgt | Cmp | Yds | TD | ||
| 2021 | DEN | 16 | 15 | 58 | 45 | 13 | 0.0 | 14 | 4 | 70 | 18.0 | 70 | 1 | 96 | 49 | 545 | 3 |
| 2022 | DEN | 17 | 17 | 60 | 46 | 14 | 0.0 | 10 | 2 | -3 | -1.5 | 0 | 0 | 77 | 45 | 468 | 4 |
| 2023 | DEN | 17 | 17 | 69 | 59 | 10 | 0.0 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 91 | 54 | 660 | 3 |
| 2024 | DEN | 16 | 16 | 45 | 34 | 11 | 0.0 | 11 | 4 | 132 | 33.0 | 100 | 1 | 62 | 38 | 326 | 2 |
| Career | 66 | 65 | 232 | 184 | 48 | 0.0 | 47 | 11 | 199 | 18.1 | 100 | 2 | 326 | 186 | 1,999 | 12 | |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Coverage | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Tgt | Cmp | Yds | TD | ||
| 2024 | DEN | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 79 | 1 |
He is the son of former All-Pro NFL cornerback and currentFlorida State defensive backs coachPatrick Surtain Sr.
In 2023, he founded the Patrick Surtain II Foundation, a non-profit charity organization focused on assisting students in financially disadvantaged communities. His mother, Michelle, serves as the vice president of the foundation.[62]
