BREAKING: Pro Football Writers pick former Alabama star as NFL as the 4th Ever defender to win Player of the Year

Patrick Surtain II, who earned recognition as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 during his time at Alabama, has now reached the pinnacle of individual defensive accolades in the NFL. The Denver Broncos cornerback was named the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), a prestigious honor that cements his status as one of the league’s elite defenders.

The PFWA, an organization that has annually recognized standout performances in the NFL since 1992, revealed its selections for the league’s top honors on Wednesday. These included the NFL Most Valuable Player, NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Surtain’s exceptional contributions on the field earned him the defensive award, solidifying his dominance throughout the 2024 season.

In their announcement, the PFWA highlighted Surtain’s remarkable ability to shut down opposing receivers. Among cornerbacks who logged at least 375 coverage snaps this season, Surtain allowed the fewest receiving yards in the league—a testament to his lockdown coverage and football IQ. His performance had already earned him spots on the PFWA’s All-NFL and All-AFC teams for 2024, making this latest accolade a fitting capstone to his stellar season.

Surtain’s achievement is historic in multiple ways. He becomes just the fourth cornerback in NFL history to claim the PFWA’s Defensive Player of the Year Award, joining a select group that includes Deion Sanders (1994, San Francisco 49ers), Charles Woodson (2009, Green Bay Packers), and Stephon Gilmore (2019, New England Patriots). This recognition also marks the first time an Alabama alumnus has received the PFWA’s NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

Alabama’s football program, however, is no stranger to producing PFWA award winners. Former Crimson Tide running backs Shaun Alexander and Derrick Henry were both named NFL Offensive Player of the Year, with Alexander earning the honor in 2005 with the Seattle Seahawks and Henry receiving it in 2020 with the Tennessee Titans. Additionally, Alabama’s legendary quarterback Bart Starr claimed the PFWA’s inaugural NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1966, and Alexander followed suit by winning the MVP award in 2005.

This year, the PFWA also named Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson as the NFL’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was selected as the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, reflecting his dynamic contributions to the league’s top-ranked offense.

Surtain’s recognition not only highlights his individual brilliance but also underscores the enduring impact of Alabama’s football program in shaping elite NFL talent. From dominating in the SEC to excelling on the professional stage, Surtain’s journey serves as a testament to hard work, skill, and consistent performance at the highest level. As he continues to lead the Broncos’ secondary, his future in the league looks as bright as ever.