The Denver Broncos’ legacy of defensive excellence spans generations, but only two players in franchise history have earned the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year honor: Randy Gradishar and Pat Surtain II. The recognition came 46 years apart, with dramatically different announcements.

According to Gradishar, his announcement of winning the award came via a letter in 1978.

“I got a letter saying, ‘We would like to honor you as Defensive Player of the Year,'” Gradishar told DenverBroncos.com. “It was certainly a different process we went through years and years ago of finding out you were named — or being even considered for — Defensive Player of the Year.”

Fast forward to 2025, where Surtain’s award announcement came on national TV with all the pomp and circumstance of the NFL Honors ceremony.

Surtain was very deserving of the award. His impressive 2024 season included 45 total tackles (34 solo, 11 assists), 4 interceptions for 132 yards (averaging 33 yards per return), and 11 passes defended.

One of Surtain’s most electrifying plays from the season came during a game where Gradishar was in attendance. At halftime during the Broncos and Raiders game, Gradishar received his Hall of Fame ring. In the second half, Surtain recorded a 100-yard pick-6.

“It was great,” Gradishar said on Surtain’s interception. “You’re excited for the player. You’re excited for Patrick. There aren’t too many people in Colorado that like the Raiders. And then when you see Patrick take that ball and go 100 yards, that was just unbelievable. That set the tone for the rest of the game and for the players. Then you know you’re beating your nemesis.”

Gradishar, who played in the dominant Orange Crush defense, sees similarities between Surtain and another Broncos great, Louis Wright.

“He’s just a really great athlete, and he just reminds me of a guy when I played, Louis Wright. The way he covered passes, the way he covered the run — they didn’t come his way very often,” said Gradishar.

With all the defensive greats that have played in orange and blue, it’s quite shocking only two Broncos have won the DPOY award. Even with the award being long overdue in the Mile High City, Gradishar is thankful to finally have some company in the exclusive club.

“We needed another Bronco to come on the show and say, ‘I’m the Defensive Player of the Year,'” said Gradishar. “All credit goes to him, because of the year he’s had and how he’s played.”