Patrick Surtain II, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 during his time at Alabama, has been named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the 2024 season by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). Now starring for the Denver Broncos, Surtain earned the prestigious honor for his standout performance this season.
The PFWA announced its annual awards on Wednesday, recognizing the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year.
Surtain’s selection was based on his exceptional play as a cornerback, where he allowed the fewest receiving yards in the league among players with at least 375 coverage snaps. This accolade follows his inclusion on the PFWA’s All-NFL and All-AFC teams for 2024.
The PFWA has been presenting the Defensive Player of the Year Award since 1992, and Surtain is just the fourth cornerback to receive the honor. Previous winners include Deion Sanders (San Francisco 49ers, 1994), Charles Woodson (Green Bay Packers, 2009), and Stephon Gilmore (New England Patriots, 2019).
Surtain also becomes the first Alabama alumnus to win the PFWA Defensive Player of the Year Award. Other Crimson Tide alumni have earned recognition in different categories, including running backs Shaun Alexander (Seattle Seahawks, 2005) and Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans, 2020), who were both named NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Additionally, former Alabama quarterback Bart Starr won the PFWA’s first NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1966, with Alexander earning the same honor in 2005.
This year’s PFWA NFL MVP Award went to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, marking his second consecutive win. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
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