Surtain II a big fan of Payton

Broncos CB discussed his new head coach, his new foundation

Pat Surtain II has plenty of reasons to wonder about the stability of the organization that drafted him.

Instead, the All Pro cornerback says he’s excited about the Broncos’ future under new head coach Sean Payton.

The 22-year-old cornerback has established himself as one of the best players at his position over his first two seasons since general manager George Paton drafted him No. 9 overall in 2021. But he’s also going to play for his third head coach in as many seasons. What does he make of that? “Sean Payton, I believe, is a great hire and I can’t wait to get to work with him,” Surtain said at his Pat Surtain II Foundation launch event in Denver on Monday evening. “I think he’ll provide the team with what’s necessary, which is a winning culture in the organization. His resume speaks for itself. He’s a guy that can give you Super Bowls, can give you that winning attitude, the leadership qualities that you look for in a head coach.

“I’m really excited.” Payton, of course, is an offensive-oriented head coach, but Surtain is the kind of cornerstone player to build around.

He swept first-team All-pro honors in his second season and was named a Pro Bowl Games starter for the AFC. In the new Pro Bowl setup, he logged a pick-six during the flag football game and also did things like catch a pass thrown by Matt Leinart while ziplining through Las Vegas.

“The Pro Bowl was an awesome experience, just to be around such a great group of guys and competing at a high level and also having fun with it,” Surtain said.

Under Payton, the Broncos are likely in for substantial changes this offseason, but the hope is that, overall, his arrival marks the beginning of a period that comes with not only wins but also a sense of organizational continuity.

“We understand our goals and our destiny,” Surtain said. “Obviously we can’t control what happens upstairs with coaches, but the main thing is to focus on getting better this offseason. Focus on that main goal that we’re working toward and want to achieve. I feel like that’s the main thing going on

AARON ONTIVEROZ — THE DENVER POST Pat Surtain II of the Broncos holds the ball he intercepted on a ball thrown by Trace Mcsorley of the Cardinals to clinch the game after the second half of the Broncos’ 24-15 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Dec. 18.