ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — For the first time, a Broncos player has earned both annual awards presented by the local Denver media.
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto was named both the 2025 Darrent Williams Good Guy Award winner and the Demaryius Thomas Team MVP Award winner, as chosen by the Pro Football Writers of America's Denver chapter.
The independent awards honor accountability in dealing with the media and on-field performance, respectively.
"It honestly, truly, is an honor to get recognized not just for my play but for my character as a person," Bonitto said Friday. "Knowing the two guys before me that are named after the awards with [Ring of Fame WR] Demaryius [Thomas] and [former Broncos CB] Darrent [Williams] being such high-character guys in the locker room and in Denver. They've held such a high standard, and I'm just trying to live to that standard every day — just [being] here and being able to work with you guys and just being that type of guy for my teammates. It truly is a blessing, and I really do appreciate you guys."
Bonitto was one of many candidates for each award, according to PFWA at-large member Jeff Legwold, and he said there were a number of players that were deserving of the honors.
"It's one of the best locker rooms I've been around," Bonitto said. "Obviously, it's easy on the field when we can ... play for each other the way we do defensively, but when we're able to just hang out the way we do, have so many good guys in the locker room that just actually care for one another and are always there, I feel like it's just a special thing. There's not that many locker rooms like that around the league. I'm blessed to be a part of this for sure."
Bonitto earned the Good Guy award after Jonathon Cooper garnered the recognition in 2024. Cooper and tackle Mike McGlinchey also received significant consideration for this year's Good Guy award.
Bonitto, who joins former safety Justin Simmons (2021) and All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II (2022-24) as winners of the MVP award, said earning the honor is a reflection of the work he's put into his career.
"I feel like it's always been the same everywhere I've gone," Bonitto said. "I've always had [to] work [at] every level. … Nothing's ever just given to you. You always want to have to work for it and want to go out and take it. I've always kind of had that mentality, so I feel like it's a reflection on just everybody in the locker room, as well."
Defensive lineman Zach Allen, quarterback Bo Nix and inside linebacker Alex Singleton also received significant support for the MVP award.
