Patrick Surtain II Speaks Out on Broncos Hiring Sean Payton
Sean Payton became Denver Broncos All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II’s third head coach in as many seasons (four if you count interim Jerry Rosburg). Not that the previous regimes' ups and downs did much to curtail the 22-year-old’s development.
Given the added stability that Payton brings to the table, the bar could be set a lot higher for Surtain moving forward. Surtain has been busy zip-lining and returning interceptions for touchdowns at the Pro Bowl of late.
But when he returned to Denver to launch his new charitable foundation, he revealed his take on the recent seismic coaching changes.
“We understand our goals and our destiny,” Surtain told The Denver Post on Monday. “Obviously, we can’t control what happens upstairs with coaches, but the main thing is to focus on getting better this offseason. Focus on that main goal that we’re working toward and want to achieve. I feel like that’s the main thing going on with the team.”
Clearly, the same sentiments held by Surtain were also shared by the Walton/Penner ownership group, which, led by CEO Greg Penner, went aggressively after the hire of the former Super Bowl-winning Payton. Surtain is well known for his level-headed and studious approach to his profession, so it’s no surprise that he would be on board with a coach with a similar reputation.
“Sean Payton, I believe, is a great hire, and I can’t wait to get to work with him,” Surtain said while launching his Pat Surtain II Foundation. “I think he’ll provide the team with what’s necessary, which is a winning culture in the organization. His resume speaks for itself. He’s a guy that can give you Super Bowls, can give you that winning attitude, the leadership qualities that you look for in a head coach. I’m really excited.”
As refreshing as it is to have a proven winner calling the shots, unnecessary hype and false hope are being guarded against. Surtain anticipated that Payton would ramp up his search for coaching assistants this week after receiving the key for his new office on Monday.
As it relates to Surtain, who Payton picks to coordinate the Broncos' defense will be of particular interest to the lockdown corner.
It all points to the reality that lots of reshuffling will need to be done behind the scenes if the Broncos are going to return to their winning ways. Lesser individuals might be far less hopeful about the future, but not Surtain, who even mentioned the infamous P-word — playoffs.
“We know these past couple of years we didn’t get to that next step, which is the playoffs, but that’s what we’re looking forward to is getting to that next step.” Surtain declared.
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