As the Broncos prepare for their season opener, Surtain warns doubters not to underestimate the team's potential
Category: Sports
Patrick Surtain II, the Pro Bowl cornerback for the Denver Broncos, has sent a strong message to skeptics ahead of the team's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. In a first-person piece published in The Players' Tribune, Surtain emphasized that the Broncos are ready to prove their worth after a successful 2025 season, where they finished with a 14-3 record, won the AFC West, and advanced to the AFC Championship Game.
"Everyone on the outside … keep on doubting us all you want. But let me just tell you straight up: You’re making a big mistake if you’re trying to write off Denver," Surtain wrote, addressing the skepticism surrounding the team's ability to replicate its previous success.
The excitement in Denver is tangible as the Broncos prepare to face the Chiefs, a team they defeated twice last season, including a memorable sweep that helped them claim the division title. Surtain's confidence in his teammates is evident, especially in quarterback Bo Nix, who is returning from an ankle injury sustained during the playoff run. "Bo’s about to truly take off this season, and we’re all ready to follow his lead," Surtain stated, highlighting Nix's leadership qualities and work ethic.
Last season, the Broncos had a remarkable run, but it ended in disappointment when they lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. The silence in the locker room after that loss left a lasting impression on Surtain. "I’ll never forget that silence. You know how sometimes people say: 'You could hear a pin drop'? Well, this was that, but even more extreme," he recalled. The loss was a stark reminder of the stakes in the NFL, where every game is a do-or-die situation.
Denver's success last season included a series of thrilling victories, including a playoff win against the Buffalo Bills, but the team also faced challenges. They tied an NFL record with eleven one-score victories and set a league record with twelve comeback wins. Surtain expressed a desire for the Broncos to avoid the need for late-game heroics this season. "I wouldn’t be mad if we actually won some games by a few touchdowns this season," he wrote. "This year, we basically just need to keep our foot on the gas."
The Broncos' rise in the NFL has been marked by a combination of talent, hard work, and the right leadership. Under the guidance of head coach Sean Payton, the team has focused on building a culture of excellence. Surtain noted that the consistency in coaching has been a key factor in their progress. "You can tell that everyone is pulling in the same direction," he said, emphasizing the importance of team unity.
As the Broncos prepare for their 2026 opener, they are looking to build on last season's momentum. The return of Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a season-ending injury last December, adds an extra layer of excitement to the matchup. Mahomes is eager to reclaim his position as one of the league's top quarterbacks, and the Chiefs will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 6-11 season.
Denver's ability to maintain its status as a contender hinges on its performance in high-stakes games. The team has shown resilience in the past, but Surtain's focus on starting strong and maintaining control throughout games will be tested against a formidable opponent like Kansas City. As Surtain put it, "We’re really just getting started in terms of how good we can be." This belief in their potential is what drives the Broncos as they face the challenges of a new season.
The Broncos' season opener against the Chiefs is a chance to showcase their growth and a litmus test for their aspirations. With a roster that includes returning stars and new additions like Jaylen Waddle, the team is equipped to make a serious run at the playoffs. Surtain's confidence in Nix and the rest of the team sets a high bar for expectations as they prepare to take the field.
As the game approaches, the atmosphere in Denver is charged with anticipation. Fans are eager to see if the Broncos can prove the doubters wrong and establish themselves as a legitimate Super Bowl contender once again. Surtain's message resonates with the team's resolve: they are ready to show that last season's success was not a fluke.
Kickoff is set for Monday night, and attention will turn to the Broncos as they attempt to assert their dominance in the AFC West. With the stakes higher than ever, the team is determined to start the season on the right foot and make a statement against their rivals. As Surtain said, "There’s a reason this city is so much higher up than everyone else’s." The Broncos are ready to take flight.