Pat Surtain II has established himself as one of the premier defenders in the NFL, and he credits part of his success to his father, Patrick Surtain, a former Pro Bowl cornerback. In a recent appearance on 'Good Morning Football' for Father's Day, both shared insights into their football journey, emphasizing the pride Patrick feels in his son's accomplishments surpassing his own.

Pat Jr. reflected on their post-game conversations, emphasizing how constructive feedback and discussions about gameplay help him improve. Last season, he excelled against top-tier receivers, reaffirming his status. This father-son duo exemplifies the special bond sports can create and the generational legacy within the NFL.

The 2025 NFL season introduces an electrifying player, Travis Hunter, drafted as the second overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hunter's dual-threat capability as a wide receiver and cornerback is set to reshape fantasy football strategies. His presence makes a compelling case for leagues to transition from traditional defenses to Individual Defensive Players (IDPs), enhancing the game's complexity and engagement.

IDP leagues allow for a more nuanced understanding of defensive plays, rewarding specific player performances. For instance, last season saw standout moments like Pat Surtain II's 100-yard interception return and Aidan Hutchinson's four-sack game. By utilizing IDPs, fantasy owners can capitalize on Hunter's multifaceted contributions, reflecting his unique skill set on the scoreboard.

Furthermore, IDP formats encourage deeper analysis of defensive positions, offering various configurations to keep the gameplay exciting. This flexibility not only diversifies scoring opportunities but also mitigates the unpredictability seen in standard D/ST formats, where entire teams can underperform due to matchups. Embracing IDP leagues could elevate the fantasy experience, rewarding savvy owners who recognize defensive prowess as equally valuable as offensive stats.

The elite talent pipeline from college football to the NFL remains robust, with a clear dominance from powerhouse programs like Alabama.

In his top 100 players for the 2025 season, CBS Sports' Pete Prisco highlights ten players from Alabama, underscoring the program's success under Nick Saban, who has produced numerous first-round picks and multiple national championships. The SEC and Big Ten lead in player representation, showcasing their status as breeding grounds for NFL talent.

Top performers from Alabama include Denver Broncos' cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who earned the AP Defensive Player of the Year award, and Baltimore Ravens' Derrick Henry, who had a standout season with 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Similarly, LSU made its mark with stars like Justin Jefferson and Joe Burrow, both of whom have solidified their positions as elite NFL players.

Recent achievements by athletes in Colorado have heightened the spotlight on the region's sports scene. Pat Surtain II, the Denver Broncos' cornerback, recently celebrated winning the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award. In tandem, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche has secured his second James Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman, highlighting his stellar performance. Surtain extended his congratulations to Makar via a heartfelt video message, reinforcing the camaraderie shared among defensive players across different leagues.

Makar's accolades are impressive, including the Norris Trophy in 2021, the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP, and the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year. The success of both athletes has drawn hope that Surtain can lead the Broncos to a championship, echoing Makar’s championship success with the Avalanche.