Imagine being hailed as the NFL’s next Defensive Player of the Year just weeks into the season—flattering, right? But for Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, it’s a title he’s not ready to embrace just yet. And this is the part most people miss: humility and focus can be just as powerful as on-field dominance. Last year, it was Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II who claimed the coveted award, and this year, he’s pointing the spotlight at his teammate Bonitto. But here’s where it gets controversial: Bonitto himself is quick to deflect the praise, insisting it’s far too early to even entertain the idea.
After Sunday’s victory over the Jets, Bonitto was asked about Surtain’s endorsement. Instead of basking in the glory, he shifted the focus right back to his teammate. ‘Pat is the best in the game right now,’ Bonitto said. ‘What he did today was special. Every week, we task him with guarding the opposing team’s top receiver, and we never hear from him again—that’s how dominant he is. It’s a huge honor just to have him say that about me.’
Bonitto’s humility isn’t just lip service. He’s well aware of the long road ahead. ‘It’s a marathon, not a sprint,’ he explained. ‘I still have so much room to grow, so many games to play, and so many wins to stack before we even start having those conversations.’ Yet, with Bonitto currently leading the league in sacks and on pace to challenge the NFL’s single-season sack record, those conversations are inevitable—especially if he keeps terrorizing quarterbacks week after week.
But here’s the real question: Is Bonitto’s reluctance a sign of genuine humility, or is he downplaying his achievements to avoid the pressure? And if he continues at this pace, can anyone truly deny him the title? Let’s spark some debate—do you think Bonitto is already a lock for Defensive Player of the Year, or is he right to stay grounded? Sound off in the comments!
