Denver Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain was named the NFL’s 2024 Defensive Player of the Year in February, becoming just the seventh cornerback to win the award. PS2 also became the second Bronco in franchise history to take home the honor, joining Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Randy Gradishar (1978).

Broncos coach Sean Payton was in attendance when Surtain was named the winner at NFL Honors in New Orleans earlier this year.

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“I sat behind him,” Payton said in February. “One of the things about that event — and it had been a while since I had gone — when you walk into NFL Honors and you look around the room, you can say, ‘I know who is winning every award.’ When the other candidates are not there, that is a sign. I saw Josh Allen had the first two rows taken up on [one] side and I thought, ‘Well, it looks like Josh is going to be [MVP].’

“I was sitting right behind Patrick and his family, and I was thrilled for him. Then I was excited for Trey Hendrickson and also Zach Baun. Those are other players that were candidates that we had drafted [in New Orleans]. I think I gave Patrick a hard time and said, ‘I think we may be able to get you into the Jordan shoes now.’ He smiled.”

Payton, of course, is sponsored by Michael Jordan’s clothing brand, a deal that nets him shoes that even his highly-paid players are jealous of. PS2 now figures to land some new kicks, and his award reflects well on the entire franchise.

“It’s validating for the organization,” Denver general manager George Paton said in February. “It’s validating for everyone in the organization that helped develop him. Now he didn’t need a lot of development. This guy walked in and we didn’t have to do a whole lot, but our sports performance team, the day-to-day, the training room and the coaching staff.

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“We’ve had some really good defensive back coaches and good defensive coaches that have helped Pat. Truth be told, Pat didn’t need a lot of help. He came from the family he came from, obviously; I was with his dad [Pat Surtain Sr.] in Miami. It’s pretty unique to have a player like Pat in the organization.”

Now entering his fifth season in the NFL, Surtain will look to add to his 47 career pass breakups, 11 interceptions and two defensive touchdowns this fall.

Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos: Sean Payton rewards Pat Surtain with Jordan shoes