Broncos All-Pro CB reveals what excites him the most heading into 2024

Patrick Surtain II has been one of the best cornerbacks in league since entering it as the No. 9 overall pick in 2021.

However, like the Broncos as a whole, Surtain II is coming off a disappointing 2023 season in which he registered just one interception along with 69 tackles and 12 passes defensed.

It was quite the step back from his first two years in the NFL when he recorded 118 tackles, one forced fumble, six interceptions, 24 passes defensed and one touchdown while earning All-Pro honors.

Surtain II knows he must return to that level of play entering his fourth season in the league, but he is no stranger to expectations. His father, Patrick Surtain, played corner in the NFL for 11 years (1998-2008), earning three Pro Bowl nods and a first-team All-Pro selection.

Luckily for Denver, living up to those expectations is what excites the 24-year-old the most heading into the 2024 season.

"I've dealt with it my whole life," Surtain II said , via Ryan McFadden of the Denver Post. "Living up to those expectations and making a name for myself excites me the most. I take very much pride in it because that's how the team views me. I'm blessed to be in the role that I'm in now, so I just got to set an example."

Surtain II is entering his fourth season in the league, which means his second NFL contract is on the horizon. If he hopes to receive a big payday, he will have to put together another dominant season.

Helping to end the Broncos' eight-year playoff drought would be a great place to start. Of course, that isn't a one-man job, but being an elite shutdown corner would give the team a good chance to do just that.

Surtain II seems more focused than ever to take his game to another level this season.

"I know I've got some work to do," Surtain II said on "The Jim Rome Show." "Last year wasn't my best year. I know that as a player and as my standard, that wasn't a year I hold myself to."