After Outstanding Performance Where He Showcased Ridiculous 22MPH Speed, Pat Surtain II Named AFC Defensive Player Of Week
(CBS4) - The NFL on Wednesday named Denver Broncos rookie cornerback Pat Surtain II as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
The rookie from Alabama picked off Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert twice on Sunday, returning the second one 70 yards for a touchdown and sparking the Denver Broncos' 28-13 win.
Surtain reached a top speed of 22.07 mph on his pick-6, according to Next Gen Stats, the fastest by a defensive back with the ball in his hands in the last five years.
"I've always known I was fast," said Surtain after the game. "I used to run track, so I would say that little track background helped me a lot."
Surtain also tallied five tackles on Sunday.
Broncos Head coach Vic Fangio said Surtain "has great hands and great ball anticipation."
RELATED: Pat Surtain II Gives Football To Dad Immediately After Pick-Six During Broncos Win
On Sunday Surtain became the first Broncos rookie to record multiple interceptions, including a pick six, in the same game.
Only four other Broncos rookies have won AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors: Dre'Mont Jones (2019), Von Miller (2011) and linebacker D.J. Williams (2004).
Surtain is also in the running for NFL Rookie of the Week. You can vote for him on a special section of NFL.com.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)