Denver Broncos pass rusher Nik Bonitto had another huge performance in a 41-32 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football in Week 13.
Bonitto recorded a sack and grabbed a 71-yard pick-six in the win. Following that impressive play, Bonitto became just the second player in franchise history to record at least ten sacks and a pick-six in the same season, joining Broncos legend Von Miller.
Nix’s 71-yard return was the third-longest by a linebacker in franchise history, only trailing Randy Gradishar (93 yards in 1980) and Tom Jackson (73 yards in 1977).
Bonitto reached a top speed of 19.88 mph on his return, the second-fastest among linebackers carrying the ball this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
“It showed a lot about the toughness of our team.”
1-on-1 with @nikkkkbonitto after #CLEvsDEN: pic.twitter.com/GOSsINySjQ
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 3, 2024
Following the play, the father of Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain called for Bonitto to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.
@nikkkkbonitto nephew should be up for DPOY…having an incredible season!!
— PAT SURTAINl (@psurtain23) December 3, 2024
Surtain Sr. certainly isn’t alone in his stance.
I mean… is Nick Bonitto the DPOY?
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) December 3, 2024
Third-year #Broncos pass-rusher Nik Bonitto is a legitimate DPOY candidate:
* 19 QB hits
* 13 TFLs
* 11 sacks (2nd in NFL)
* 3 PD
* 1 FF
* 1 INT
* 1 TD (71-yard pick 6) pic.twitter.com/TWCn9RnamU— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 3, 2024
Bonitto still has another year on his contract after this season, but after giving Jonathon Cooper a big extension, Bonitto’s deal should be the team’s next priority.
When #Broncos Greg Penner greets the players in the locker room after the game… He should shake Nick Bonitto’s hand and give him a new contract with the other hand.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) December 3, 2024
“I’ve been trying to tell people I used to play safety back in the day and people are surprised,” Bonitto said after the game. “Just trying to do my job. When I saw a chance to break on the ball, I kind of just went and did that.”
Bonitto’s 11 sacks this season rank second in the NFL, only trailing Trey Hendrickson (11.5). He’ll look to build on that total after the bye when the Broncos host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.
