Pat Surtain II, the Denver Broncos' cornerback and Defensive Player of the Year, expressed his surreal feeling upon receiving this prestigious award. He emphasized that achieving this honor was a result of his dedication to becoming the best version of himself, focusing on consistency and tackling. Surtain highlighted the importance of the team's collective effort, crediting head coach Vance Joseph's scheme for allowing defenders to excel in their roles.

He also spoke fondly about his roots in New Orleans, where he celebrated the award surrounded by family. Surtain shared moments of camaraderie and competition with quarterback Russell Wilson, believing that Wilson's confidence and leadership as a rookie brought a new dynamism to the team. He concluded by noting the excitement surrounding the team as they look forward to future successes.

As the NFL awards season approaches, discussions are heating up around the Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year. Derrick Henry, despite a strong season with 1,000 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, finds himself at number five on the list for the Offensive Player of the Year. Joe Burrow, with impressive stats, ranks fourth, but faces stiff competition from quarterbacks ahead of him. Lamar Jackson's historic season puts him in the third position, showcasing one of the best passing seasons in NFL history.

Saquon Barkley is a strong contender for the award, sitting at number two, but his chances may hinge on breaking the rushing title record. Leading the charge is Ja'Marr Chase, who made history as a Triple Crown winner. On the defensive side, the race is equally tight, with players like T.J. Watt, who struggled with stats this year, and Myles Garrett making strong cases despite setbacks.

Zach Bond's remarkable performance earns him third place, while Trey Hendrickson leads in sacks but faces a challenging team defense context. Lastly, Pat Surtain II is poised to take home the Defensive Player of the Year award after shutting down top receivers.