Patrick Surtain II, A Star For The Broncos, Boldly Communicates Denver’s Super Bowl Ambitions To The Rest Of The NFL. •• Stig
The Denver Broncos are coming off their first playoff appearance since their 2015 Super Bowl win, and star cornerback Patrick Surtain II believes it’s only the beginning. The three-time Pro Bowler and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year is confident that Denver can compete for a championship in 2025.
In a recent interview, Surtain didn’t hold back when asked about the Broncos’ Super Bowl aspirations. “Oh, for sure,” he said. “I think any team is a contender. Some people ask, ‘Are the Broncos Super Bowl contenders?’ I feel like we are contenders in our own right. We are building success, and I think we are headed in the right direction for sure.”
His confidence is shared by many within the organization. Despite a turbulent past few seasons, Denver has made major strides under head coach Sean Payton. With a promising young quarterback and an elite defense, the Broncos may finally be on their way back to the NFL’s biggest stage.
Sean Payton’s Impact on the Broncos
When Sean Payton took over as head coach in 2023, he immediately made headlines by criticizing the team’s previous coaching staff, calling their work “one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.” Though he later apologized, his statement set the tone for a new era in Denver.
Payton’s first season wasn’t without its struggles. The Broncos suffered an embarrassing 70-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins, one of the worst defeats in NFL history. However, they managed to turn things around, finishing the season with an 8-9 record.
The team made a shocking decision in the offseason, releasing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson and taking on a staggering $85 million dead cap hit. The move sent a clear message: Denver was moving in a new direction.
Bo Nix Sparks Hope for the Future
With Wilson gone, the Broncos took another bold step by selecting quarterback Bo Nix with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Many experts projected Nix as a second-round talent, and his selection raised eyebrows.
However, Nix quickly silenced the doubters. Despite working with an underwhelming receiving corps and a struggling run game, he led the Broncos to a 10-7 record and a playoff appearance. His performance, combined with Denver’s dominant defense, gave the franchise its most successful season in nearly a decade.
Surtain is one of the key pieces of that defense. The All-Pro cornerback has solidified himself as one of the league’s elite defenders, and he believes the team is on the verge of something special.
Surtain’s Confidence in Denver’s Super Bowl Hopes
Surtain is not just hopeful about the team’s future—he is convinced they can compete at the highest level.
“Obviously, you don’t just wake up and say, ‘Okay, I want to be in the Super Bowl,’” he said. “There’s work to put in before that. I think we have a great chance for sure. We’re building up a team to reach—not just the playoffs—but even further. Like I said, we built this team up for the right reasons to reach that step. So we’ll see. But I’m very optimistic about our future in reaching the Super Bowl.”
His optimism is backed by tangible progress. Under Payton’s leadership, the team has made smart roster moves, developed a promising young quarterback, and maintained one of the best defensive units in the league. If Denver can build on last season’s success, they could emerge as a legitimate threat in the AFC.
What’s Next for the Broncos?
While the Broncos have taken significant steps forward, they still have work to do. The 2025 NFL Draft will be critical in filling key roster gaps, particularly on offense. Strengthening the offensive line and adding more playmakers for Nix will be priorities.
Defensively, Denver already boasts one of the league’s top units, led by Surtain. However, continued depth and stability in the secondary and pass rush will be essential to competing with the AFC’s top teams.
The Broncos are in one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions, with the Kansas City Chiefs still reigning as the team to beat. But with Payton at the helm, a rising young quarterback, and a defense anchored by one of the best cornerbacks in the game, Denver may be ready to make its mark.
Conclusion: A New Era in Denver?
Patrick Surtain II’s bold statement about the Broncos’ Super Bowl chances reflects a growing belief within the organization. Denver is no longer just trying to stay competitive—they are aiming for the top.
If Bo Nix continues his development, if the defense maintains its elite form, and if the front office makes the right moves this offseason, the Broncos could very well be a force in the AFC.
Surtain’s message is clear: Denver is back, and they are ready to chase another championship.
