Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II enters his sixth NFL season with a résumé former cornerback Aqib Talib calls "ridiculous": four Pro Bowls, three All-Pro nods, and the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award. Now 26, Surtain signed a four-year, $96 million extension in 2024 and received a $5 million raise for 2026, yet insists his focus remains on fundamentals. "Work on your techniques, your basics, get better, push to get better," he said. "I think I can make more plays."

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, coaching defensive backs since 1999, says Surtain uniquely combines elite physical traits, football IQ, and relentless work ethic at the highest level. "He checks them all... never seen that at his level in any player I've coached." Coach Sean Payton has challenged Surtain to chase Steve Foley's franchise-record 44 interceptions; Surtain has 12 career picks, including just one in 2025 when top receivers like Ja'Marr Chase and A.J. Brown were largely shut down.

The Broncos ranked 26th in turnovers caused despite a top-tier defense. Joseph plans more zone looks to generate takeaways. Surtain also aims to reduce penalties after 10 flags in 2025 (five for pass interference) and a career-high 12 in 2024. "You want to play clean, no flags, but I want to be aggressive, too," he said. Hall of Famer Champ Bailey expects Surtain to find another level: "He isn't going to think there isn't more out there for him."