Latest news with #2024DefensivePlayeroftheYear
USA Today
15-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Q&A: Napheesa Collier on Unrivaled pushing personal brands, March Madness and more
Q&A: Napheesa Collier on Unrivaled pushing personal brands, March Madness and more Unrivaled co-founder Napheesa Collier is all in on elevating those around her. The four-time WNBA All-Star and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year has been on a multi-year journey with business partner and three-time WNBA Champ Breanna Stewart to develop a fresh lens for how people view basketball. Collier and Stewart created Unrivaled, a 3x3 basketball league focusing on fast-paced action while highlighting off-the-court stories, uplifting others and promoting personal brands. Collier's vision for a league to help players stay stateside and utilize on-site facilities and training for further development is now a reality. For The Win recently caught up with the Lunar Owls forward as Unrivaled and Icy Hot presented the league's training staff with $10,000 bonus checks. "Obviously, in a sports league, recovery and preparation for games is super important for us," Collier told For the Win. "So having a partner like Icy Hot is huge, where after the game, everything hurts ... Recovery is such a huge thing for us, and so that was like a really, I think, natural partnership and like happy one for us as well." As Unrivaled's inaugural season winds down, For The Win sat down with Collier to discuss how she evaluates the league's first season, why she intentionally leaned into the personal brand of Unrivaled players, and who she has her eyes on heading into March Madness. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Did Unrivaled's first season accomplish everything you and Breanna Stewart hoped it would? I think yes. Just from off-court stuff, I think we have surpassed a lot of our goals ... We were able to raise more money than we initially thought, so we were able to pay players more even in Year One, which is amazing. Just the momentum that the league has been able to garner so far, where I feel like we're really culturally relevant and elevating players' brands where that was one of our huge goals ... We make most of our money off the court, and so brand-building is essential for us and highlighting people's personalities. I think Jackie Young is a great example where we highlighted her brand by her not wanting to have a brand. Like, she hates doing media. So they would have videos of her running away and, like, those went viral. So, I think being really authentic to people's personality, the Unrivaled staff and the marketing team was really able to capitalize on that, which I thought was amazing. As far as on court, I think you see a notable difference in a lot of players from even the beginning of Unrivaled to now at the end of the season. You know, we're here to get better at the end of the day. So through all these things, I think you see people's skillsets getting a lot a lot better ― their confidence on the floor and the moves that they're doing, things that they weren't doing even just last season. And so because of those things, I think this is a success. I think we set out what we plan to do in Year One and we want to go up from here. What did it mean to have Stephen Curry join the Unrivaled investor list? I think it's amazing, and I think it just shows the power and the momentum that women's sports has right now. It's just growing so rapidly, and so, obviously, having support from other athletes like Steph ... showing support to us and showing love and showing the value in what we have ― not only supporting but seeing that this has real monetary value ... This is not a charity. It's not just, "Go women's sports." There's money to be made in this too, and I think that's honestly the most rewarding thing ... People aren't just supporting us because it's the right thing to do. They see that we have real value and that this is something that can be beneficial for everyone ... Why was it important to also give back to the Unrivaled training staff? They're the people that make our recovery possible. They make it so that we feel good going on the court, that we feel good after games and our recovery is going smoothly and things like that. And they just work so, so hard. So, I think being able to thank them for that ― it's a pretty thankless job being an athletic trainer and so being able to say thank you in a small way to them is really important ... I'm really happy Icy Hot was able to partner with us and being able to give them that bonus. Who is the Lunar Owls' unsung hero this season? I think, honestly, it's really cool because I think every single personality on this team is so different, and I feel like we all bring something really unique. I think one person that should be highlighted is Courtney [Williams] because she's not a starter, but her voice is so important to the team. Because obviously, like, Skylar [Diggins-Smith] is our point guard ... Her voice is incredibly important to our team, and she's a main leader here. But Courtney's voice is ― she's also a point guard. The way that she keeps us together even when she's not playing, the input that she has ... She's able to energize us internally, and the feedback that she gives us to what she's seeing is really important to that, and that part's not always highlighted. Fans call you "Queen Phee." What does that nickname mean to you? Honestly, don't even know how it got started. It doesn't mean a lot ... It just sounds cool. I think, like, the double "E's" look cool. Like, I love the little crown emojis. So, I think it's just a cool nickname, but I don't know how much I, like, read into it. I think it's just like, "it looks cool." Will you and A'ja Wilson ever bring back your podcast, Tea with A & Phee? I don't know. I honestly had so much fun on the podcast. I think it's hard now because we started it in the bubble when we were both in the same place. So, maybe if A'ja comes to Unrivaled, we'll be back in the same place, [and] it'll be easier again. But with two separate schedules and the W season, and with all the different stuff we do off the court now, it's been kind of hard to coordinate schedules ... March Madness is starting soon. Is there anyone you'll be watching? I think Paige [Bueckers] is a big one, just like everyone, especially because she's coming out this year ― supposedly, hopefully ― and so she'll be really fun to watch, especially because she's a Husky. Of course, I'm going to root for the [UConn] Huskies. I think JuJu [Watkins], even though she's not coming out for several years now. She is just such a talent to watch. But I think a lot of people are going to be watching the senior class because they're the ones that are in our immediate future. And it's so funny because you cannot predict how people are going to do in the W based on how they do in college. It's so different, but it's always fun to like speculate and watch and just see the talent that's coming up because I think that's just undeniable.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos CB Pat Surtain ranks NFL's top five wide receivers
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain was named the NFL's 2024 Defensive Player of the Year before earlier this month as the Associated Press dubbed him the best all-around defender in the league. Surtain is the game's best cornerback. Who does he consider to be the NFL's best wide receivers? During an interview with Broncos Wire's Brandon Walker to promote Tide evo, PS2 named the WRs he considered the best in the league. 'I say Ja'Marr (Chase); he had a good year, obviously (with the) triple crown," Surtain told Walker. "You know you got guys like Justin Jefferson, of course Tyreek Hill, who's done it consistently, and CeeDee Lamb, I think those guys have done it; Davante Adams. Those are the guys that I would consider the top of the game right now.' Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase Vikings WR Justin Jefferson Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb Jets WR Davante Adams The Broncos are set to face the Cowboys, Bengals and Jets next season, so Surtain is set to face at least Lamb and Chase in 2025 (Adams has an uncertain status with New York). Do you agree with Surtain's list? Let us know on Twitter: @TheBroncosWire. These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos CB Pat Surtain ranks NFL's top five wide receivers
USA Today
17-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Broncos CB Pat Surtain ranks NFL's top five wide receivers
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain was named the NFL's 2024 Defensive Player of the Year before earlier this month as the Associated Press dubbed him the best all-around defender in the league. Surtain is the game's best cornerback. Who does he consider to be the NFL's best wide receivers? During an interview with Broncos Wire's Brandon Walker to promote Tide evo, PS2 named the WRs he considered the best in the league. 'I say Ja'Marr (Chase); he had a good year, obviously (with the) triple crown,' Surtain told Walker. 'You know you got guys like Justin Jefferson, of course Tyreek Hill, who's done it consistently, and CeeDee Lamb, I think those guys have done it; Davante Adams. Those are the guys that I would consider the top of the game right now.' Pat Surtain's top NFL WRs Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase Vikings WR Justin Jefferson Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb Jets WR Davante Adams The Broncos are set to face the Cowboys, Bengals and Jets next season, so Surtain is set to face at least Lamb and Chase in 2025 (Adams has an uncertain status with New York). Do you agree with Surtain's list? Let us know on Twitter: @TheBroncosWire.
USA Today
07-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Twitter reacts to NFL Network putting Myles Garrett's name for Pat Surtain
Denver Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain was named the NFL's 2024 Defensive Player of the Year during NFL Honors on Thursday evening after finishing with 330 points in Associated Press voting. Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson was second with 205 points and Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Myles Garrett was third with 162 points. Although Surtain lapped the competition, the NFL Network and Fox broadcast must have mistakenly prepared for Garett to win the award. During Surtain's acceptance speech on Thursday, the broadcast displayed Garett's name on the screen below PS2. Here's a sampling of how fans on Twitter/X reacted to the mix-up during the show: I didn't know Pat Surtain changed his name to Myles Garrett — Chad (@chadtrojanfan) February 7, 2025 NFL Network just had the wrong name on the graphic for DPOY. It said Myles Garrett when Surtain actually won it… Oops! — Matt Wilcox (@mtwilcox12) February 7, 2025 I had to rewind it 🤣🤦🏼♀️ — ꧁𝓝𝓲𝓬𝓸𝓵𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓮꧂ (@nmbernard) February 7, 2025 did they just put myles garrett as the winner while pat surtain was speaking 😂#NFLHonors — 4/28🕊 (@_coreyharriss) February 7, 2025 Did TO just mispronounce the name of the DPOY Patrick Surtain Jr.? Oh my gosh and they put Myles Garrett on the screen too! — Adam Johnson (@Mr_GCU) February 7, 2025 Did they just say Patrick surtain was Myles Garrett on this damn NFL Honors show 🤦🏾♂️ — Brian (@Beasly151) February 7, 2025 So why did it pop up Myles Garrett when Surtain won #NFLHonors — Aaron (@AaronReid_21) February 7, 2025 no way they put up the myles garrett graphic instead of patrick surtain 😭 — 💫 (@nlmbohdearr) February 7, 2025 Why did the TV show Myles Garrett as the winner but they announced Pat Surtain? #NFLHonors — Richie Lee ✝️ (@RLMiller4_92) February 7, 2025 The disrespect #NFLHonors Patrick Surtain ll receives Defensive Player of the Year while the scroll says Myles Garret! — Jimmy Ewing (@NicotineFitz) February 7, 2025 NFL Honors, get the names right. Pat Surtain is NOT Myles Garrett. — Afton Forred (@aforred) February 7, 2025 Here is Surtain's acceptance speech: Surtain, 24, is the seventh cornerback to ever win the award and the second Bronco in franchise history to take home the honor, joining Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Randy Gradishar (1978). Surtain is also the first cornerback to win DPOY and have two first-team All-Pro selections within his first four seasons in the NFL. Garrett won DPOY in 2023, but it was PS2 who took home the honor on Thursday.
USA Today
07-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Twitter reacts to Pat Surtain winning Defensive Player of the Year
Denver Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain was named the NFL's 2024 Defensive Player of the Year during NFL Honors on Thursday night. Here's a sampling of how fans and pundits reacted to the news on Twitter/X. AP Defensive Player of the Year voting: Patrick Surtain II 26-11-2-4-1: 330 Trey Hendrickson 11-10-9-8-2: 205 Myles Garrett 5-11-12-8-5: 162 T.J. Watt 3-7-8-11-3: 114 Zack Baun 2-2-6-5-5: 63 Kerby… — Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) February 7, 2025 Pat Surtain II is the FIRST cornerback in NFL history to win Defensive Player of the Year and have two first-team All-Pros in his first four seasons. Only 10 players have ever done it — and 4 of the 5 HOF-eligible players have been inducted. PS2 is taking steps toward Canton. — Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) February 7, 2025 Pat Surtain II is your Defensive Player of the Year 🔒 — B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) February 7, 2025 #Broncos CB Patrick Surtain is the winner of the 2024 AP Defensive Player of the Year. A true shutdown corner, Surtain recorded four interceptions, 11 pass deflections, and led the league with 132 interception return yards. — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 7, 2025 #Broncos CB Pat Surtain has been named the AP 2024 Defensive Player of the Year — MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) February 7, 2025 Pat Surtain II among CBs 🏆 The most valuable DB, per PFF WAR 🏆 87.4 coverage grade, 1st among CBs 2024 Defensive Player of the Year — PFF (@PFF) February 7, 2025 Pat Surtain II wins 2025 Defensive Player of the Year award. Surtain's ranks among CBs in 2024, per @PFF: 8.6 yards per reception (7th) 82 YAC (14th) 4 INTs (t-5th) 1 TD allowed (t-11th) 61.1 passer rating allowed (2nd) — Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) February 7, 2025 CONGRATULATIONS TO PAT SURTAIN DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR!!!! WELL DESERVED!!! #BroncosCountry — NuggetsNation (@nuggetsfan4ever) February 7, 2025 Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II made the most impactful play of the Broncos' season — Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) February 7, 2025 Meu amigo Pat Surtain é o DPOY da temporada 2024 🤩🤩 — Mile High Brasil (@MileHighBrasil) February 7, 2025 Did anyone else catch that F-up on NFL Honors? Pat Surtain II is accepting DPOTY and the name Miles Garrett pops up on the screen as the winner — Christi (@cmann81) February 7, 2025 Myles Garrett won the @NFL Defensive player of the year award. Or was it Pat Surtain? 🤔 NFL is throwing mixed signals here. Who REALLY won the award? 🧐 — Football Guy 🏈 𝕏 (@Raldi616) February 7, 2025 They may have mixed up a few letters on Pat Surtain's name — ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) February 7, 2025 Pat Surtain II is the seventh cornerback to win Defensive Player of the Year along with 2019 Stephon Gilmore, 2009 Charles Woodson, 1994 Deion Sanders, 1993 Rod Woodson, 1980 Lester Hayes, and 1975 Mel Blount. He's the second Broncos player to win the award along with LB Randy… — Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) February 7, 2025 Here's a look at Pat Surtain's performance against some of the top WRs in the NFL. This is as lockdown as it gets in the modern NFL. Well deserved DPOY #denverbroncos — Jackson Simons (@JacksonSimons15) February 7, 2025 Surtain, 24, is the seventh cornerback in NFL history to win the award and the second Bronco to take home the honor, joining Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Randy Gradishar (1978). Already considered the game's best cornerback, Surtain is now recognized as the best defensive player in the NFL.
