The Lead

After becoming just the second player in franchise history to win Defensive Player of the Year honors, cornerback Pat Surtain II is focused on what's next.

And while he's still focused on achieving individual accolades as he enters 2025, his primary focus is on the Broncos finding a higher level of team success. Following a run to the postseason in 2024, Surtain has his sights set on the NFL's ultimate prize.

"There's always something out there to do better," Surtain said. "Why not get another one? Why not get more All-Pros? … But I think the main goal is to win the Super Bowl, at the end of the day. That's why I play the game, is to win. I think that's the end goal for me."

As Surtain and the Broncos aim to find that level of success, he pointed to the team's free-agent acquisitions of safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw as critical additions for an already impressive defensive unit.

"Those guys are going to come in and bring that winning atmosphere," Surtain said. "They've been to Super Bowls. They know how to win at a high level. So, adding that to the team will only make our team even better."

Surtain said as the Broncos approach the season amid increased expectations, the team's mindset is to avoid riding the highs and lows of a season and to prioritize "doing the simple things right" as a team.

"We try to stay level-headed, stay grounded, be where our feet are and just grind and perfect our craft each and every day," Surtain said.