The Denver Broncos made Peyton Manning proud on Sunday.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback was one of more than 120 former Broncos players who returned to Empower Field at Mile High in Week 5 as part of the team’s Alumni Weekend festivities.
With Peyton and other franchise greats in attendance, Denver took care of business with a 34-18 victory over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders.
“Especially in light of the people that were here today and the people that went into the Ring of Honor, it is important for us to play well [at home], and today even more importantly,” coach Sean Payton said after the game.
— Broncos Wire (@TheBroncosWire) October 7, 2024
Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain had a huge day with alumni in attendance, including Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey.
“It means a lot,” Surtain said of playing in front of the team’s greats. “Every time legends come through, we want to put out a good impression and we want to bring that winning culture that they brought to this organization. To have that energy and to have that aura that they brought is pretty amazing. It was a special day today seeing a bunch of legendary guys on the field cheering us on and I know we were poised for success.”
Surtain was asked if he imagines himself becoming one of the team’s legends.
“Definitely,” the cornerback said. “I definitely see that happening. Only time will tell. I’m only 24 [years old] so I’ve got a lot of growing to do, but I’m definitely looking forward to that moment.”
Surtain is certainly well on his way to becoming a franchise legend.