ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Two Broncos are on the shortlist for two of the NFL's prestigious year-end awards.
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto was announced as a finalist for AP Defensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph was named a finalist for AP Assistant Coach of the Year, it was announced Thursday.
Bonitto, who recorded 14 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits, 46 total tackles, two forced fumbles and one pass defensed, was recently named a Pro Bowler for the second time in his career and was selected to the 2025 PFWA All-NFL team in January. In the postseason, Bonitto has continued his strong play with another sack, two forced fumbles, three total tackles, a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss.
Should Bonitto win the honor, he would be the third Broncos defender in franchise history to be named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, following cornerback Pat Surtain II (2024) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Gradishar (1978). Bonitto and Surtain would be the first teammates to win the award back to back since Baltimore's Ed Reed (2004) and Ray Lewis (2003).
Joseph, meanwhile, could be the first Broncos coach to win Assistant Coach of the Year since former defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in 2015.
Under Joseph's coaching in 2025, the Broncos' defense ranked second in total defense, third in scoring defense, first in yards allowed per play, second in rushing defense and first in passing yards allowed per play. The unit also ranked first in red-zone defense and second in third-down defense.
The winners of the awards will be announced at the 15th annual NFL Honors awards show on Feb. 5, which will be broadcast live on NBC and NFL Network at 9 p.m. ET and streamed on Peacock and NFL+.
