ENGLEWOOD — Alex Singleton was voted team captain and tore his ACL just three games into the Broncos season.

“Personally, it’s been the hardest year of my life,” Singleton said.

You certainly couldn’t tell on Monday during locker room clean-out at Broncos Park.

The 31-year-old inside linebacker was upbeat when chatting with reporters after their postseason ended with a lopsided defeat at Buffalo in the AFC wild-card round. Singleton discussed a variety of topics and gave a health update now 13-weeks removed from his season-ending knee injury at the Buccaneers.

“It’s coming along really well,” Singleton said. “I’m exactly where I should be to be 100% for next season.”

The Broncos defense managed to thrive defensively in Singleton’s absence. Denver allowed the third-fewest points (311) in the NFL, won 10 games and reached the postseason for the first time since 2015.

“I think we had those expectations for ourselves. We were obviously able to play that way,” Singleton said. “I think guys stepped up huge. Our ‘D-line’ played exceptionally well. I think Pat (Surtain) is the best player in the league. I think he’ll win defensive MVP. … Those two areas, were the best in the league at.”

Singleton was especially impressed with the performance of starting inside linebackers Justin Strnad and Cody Barton.

“They played great. It was awesome. With Justin, I’ve known now for three years that I’ve been here that he could play,” Singleton said. “Selfishly, I don’t want to get hurt and be the reason he gets to play. But for him, I think it was huge for him to get to go in and play a full season of meaningful football. He played exceptionally well. … (Barton) took advantage of his opportunities as well.”

Singleton also joined teammates in praising the toughness and talent of rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

“There were times in camp that I knew: ‘This is gonna be the guy,’” Singleton said. “He showed it really early, really fast. I think that Tampa game kind of solidified what he can do and what we could be as a team. The guys just ran with that. It clicked all year. It was special. Obviously, (losing) is not the outcome that you want in a playoff game. But he took giant leaps every single game. I think the second year of a player will show how much development he really has (made).”

One of the personal highlights of a challenging season was Singleton earning the team’s nomination for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award. It stems from his work with Special Olympics. Singleton’s older sister, Ashley, was born with Down syndrome.

The Walter Payton Man of the Year winner will be announced Feb. 6 at NFL Honors in New Orleans three days prior to Super Bowl LIX.

“Obviously, being voted as a captain in a team setting is the greatest thing you can get. But outside that, I think it’s being recognized as the Walter Payton Man of the Year (nominee) on your team. It’s so special,” Singleton said. “Truly, what I give back to, the causes, it all starts with my sister. For me, it’s a family award and then a community award with that. So, it’s really special to share that and give a light to what I represent.”