Chalk up another accolade for Mr. Patrick Surtain II.

Though the Denver Broncos fell to a disappointing 5-12 on the 2022 season, Surtain’s performance lauded him praise from across the league all season. Now he’s being rewarded for it.

On Tuesday, the second-year cornerback was named to Pro Football Writers of America’s 2022 All-NFL Team. Surtain is the first Broncos cornerback to garner the honor since Aqib Talib did so in 2016. It wasn’t the first honor from PFWA that he’s received, as he was elected to their 2021 All-Rookie squad. Like he has previously, New York Jets Sauce Gardner was listed alongside him.

The 2021 first-round draft pick allowed only four touchdowns this season, all of which came in a three-game span. Of the 77 targets thrown his way, Surtain surrendered just 45 receptions. Surtain also produced 60 total tackles, seven pass breakups, two interceptions, and forced one fumble. His impressive production had a significant impact on the Broncos finishing as the seventh-best defense in 2022.

This latest recognition comes on the heels of Surtain having already been named to numerous lists. He was designated to the First-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press and in the first-ever vote by the NFL Players Association. Pro Football Focus, who ranked Surtain as the second-best NFL cornerback this year, also named him to their own First-Team All-Pro listing. In December, Surtain was selected as a Pro Bowl starter for the first time in his career.

However, he was noticeably absent from the list of finalists for Defensive Player of the Year that was announced on Wednesday. Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, and Chiefs tackle Chris Jones were chosen instead. All three played in the most recent divisional round of the playoffs. 

It’s an uphill battle for any player to receive such an accolade when their team finishes last in their division. What Surtain has managed to accomplish while simultaneously playing for a team on the losing side has been nothing short of miraculous. Broncos Country will get to see him on the field again on February 5th, when he participates in the Pro Bowl flag football match.