Denver, CO
Broncos HC Sean Payton says CB Pat Surtain II should win DPOY: “It’s an easy case to make”
No cornerback has been named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year since Stephon Gilmore in 2019. Sean Payton strongly believes Pat Surtain II should end that streak.
“It’s an easy case to make,” the Broncos head coach said. “Sometimes it’s a more difficult case to make, but certainly he’s deserving of that type of award. He’s that good.”
Surtain, Denver’s star defensive back, is currently a betting favorite to be named the AP Defensive Player of the Year, according to FanDuel. He is ahead of outside linebackers T.J. Watt (Steelers), Myles Garrett (Browns) and Andrew Van Ginkel (Vikings), and safety Kerby Joseph (Lions).
Teammate and outside linebacker Nik Bonitto has the ninth-best odds to win the award.
The last three winners have been edge rushers, most recently Garrett in 2023. Surtain, however, has a strong case to end that run.
Surtain has taken his game to another level after signing a four-year, $96 million extension in the offseason. In 15 games, he has given up 33 catches for 279 yards, two touchdowns and 56 passer rating on 54 targets. Surtain also has four interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six in a Week 5 win over the Raiders.
He was named to his third Pro Bowl in four years on Thursday, and will more than likely be named an All-Pro for the second time.
“Pat is the standard,” Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “Every game, he has been focused on playing his best ball. Whoever he went against this year, he was trying to dominate that player.”
Chiefs resting a handful of key players: Kansas City revealed on Friday a long list of players who will be sidelined for Sunday’s regular-season finale at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, cornerback Trent McDuffie, linebacker Nick Bolton, running back Kareem Hunt, outside linebacker George Karlaftis, tight end Travis Kelce, safety Justin Reid and linebacker Drue Tranquill — who blocked the potential game-winning field goal in Week 10 — are doubtful to play against Denver.
Meanwhile, running back Isiah Pacheco, offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, wide receiver Mecole Hardman and cornerback Jaylen Watson have been officially ruled out.
Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.
Originally Published:
Denver, CO
Tempers flare during another tightly contested matchup between Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder
The University of Denver will close the Ricks Center for Gifted Children next year as enrollment has fallen in recent years, the college announced this week.
The Ricks Center, which serves gifted children as young as 3 years old, will operate for the 2026-27 academic year before closing, according to a letter DU sent parents on Wednesday.
“The University of Denver has made the difficult decision to close the Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the conclusion of the 2026–2027 academic year,” spokesman Jon Stone said in a statement. “This decision reflects long-term operational and financial considerations and is not a reflection of the school’s quality, leadership, or community.”
The center, which is located on DU’s campus, was started in 1984 as the University Center for Gifted Young Children. The program offers classes to students in preschool through eighth grade, according to the website.
The program, along with other public K-12 schools in the state, has experienced declining enrollment in recent years. The center enrolled 142 students for the 2025-26 academic year, which is down from 200 pupils four years ago.
The center will hold a meeting about the pending closure on March 6 for parents.
Get more Colorado news by signing up for our Mile High Roundup email newsletter.
David Fountaine Black
OBITUARY
Dave and Martha and their three boys moved to Denver in 1974 when Dave started work at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. He and a business partner later purchased Mid-America Plating Company. Dave operated Mid-America for 36 years and finally retired in 2018.
He was a great golfer and natural athlete. Dave was an avid runner, and for many years, he woke up before the sun to get his miles in before work. He and Martha loved playing bridge with friends, gardening – growing fruit and flowers – and spending time outside relaxing and walking on the High Line Canal Trail and in Bible Park. Dave and Martha enjoyed getting back to Arizona during the winter at their Tucson home. They loved spending time with their family.
Dave passed away on February 20, 2026. He is loved by family and friends and will be missed. Dave was a hard-working, kind, optimistic, and thoughtful person who leaves the world a better place. He is survived by his wife, Martha, and his three sons, Dave (Robin), Tom (Debbie), Eric (Kendra), as well as six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Casey (Nicole), Jake (Ashleigh and great granddaughter Faye), Hailey (Robby and great granddaughter Jensen), Keenan (Nicole and great granddaughter Olivia), Griffin, and Addie (Erik).
Ugandan torture survivor and UVM Health Network nurse faces uncertain future in Vermont
Virginia U.S. Sen. Kaine: Strikes on Iran ‘a colossal mistake’ – WTOP News
The Fallout From the Epstein Files
Wisconsin lawmakers react to US and Israel attack on Iran
BYU Cougars at West Virginia Mountaineers odds, picks and predictions
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
2 Survivors Describe the Terror and Tragedy of the Tahoe Avalanche
Iran fires missiles at US bases across Middle East after American strikes on nuclear, IRGC sites
Israel strikes two schools in Iran, killing more than 50 people
Anthropic CEO says he’s sticking to AI “red lines” despite clash with Pentagon
ICE blasts Washington mayor over directive restricting immigration enforcement
-
World3 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts3 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Montana1 week ago2026 MHSA Montana Wrestling State Championship Brackets And Results – FloWrestling
-
Louisiana5 days agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Denver, CO3 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Technology1 week agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Technology1 week agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making
-
Politics1 week agoOpenAI didn’t contact police despite employees flagging mass shooter’s concerning chatbot interactions: REPORT