The Denver Broncos’ decision to trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has made their best player one very happy man.
All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II built a bond with Waddle while playing together for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2018 and 2019. That chemistry stuck and now carries over years later to Mile High.
“It’s going to be electric,” Surtain said, per the team website. “Just having that connection back, being able to play with your best friend again - it’s a special feeling.”
With Surtain playing a starring role, Denver's defense has been dominant for several years, ranking among the elite in multiple categories.
Offensively, it has been a different story - even before Bo Nix's injury kept him out of the loss to the Patriots in the Championship Game at the end of last season.
In Waddle, the Broncos finally added the dangerous wideout needed to elevate that offense to new heights.
Surtain couldn't be more excited at the prospect.
“He’s a dynamic playmaker,” he added. “A guy that can change the game at any moment. I know what he brings to the table, not just as a player, but as a person.”
“Just the energy he brings every day,” Surtain continued. “It’s contagious.”
The Broncos gave up a king's ransom to land Waddle, but they’ve taken a giant leap forward as a Super Bowl LXI contender - and Surtain has a familiar, trusted presence back by his side.