ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Following a 14-sack season, Nik Bonitto has been named the inaugural recipient of a Hispanic Football Hall of Fame honor.
Bonitto was named the first Hispanic Professional Football Player of the Year, the organization announced Wednesday.
The Broncos' pass rusher, who is of Cuban heritage, was previously named a Pro Bowler, PFWA All-NFL player and Sporting News All-Pro. He is also among the five finalists for AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Bonitto posted a career-high 14 sacks and 28 quarterback hits while also notching two forced fumbles, 46 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. In Denver's Divisional Round win over the Bills, Bonitto recorded a sack and a pair of forced fumbles.
"Congratulations to Nik Bonitto for a fantastic season," Hispanic Football Hall of Fame founding board member Ron Rivera said. "He's exactly the type of player and person we created this special recognition to celebrate."
The fourth-year player was chosen by a selection committee that included, Sandy Nunez, Judy Battista, Rolando Cantu, Paul Gutierrez, Brandon Huffman, Moises Linares, Alex Marvez, Armando Salguero and John Sutcliffe.
"Nik continues to excel as one of the league's best pass rushers," Pro Football Hall of Famer and Hispanic Football Hall of Fame founding board member Anthony Muñoz said. "We celebrate his cultural pride."
Bonitto will be honored at the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame's Celebración de Fútbol on May 5 in Las Vegas.
