ENGLEWOOD – So much for just wearing a “C” for being a team captain, Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II also will have on his jersey this season something even more elite.

Surtain, who won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, will wear throughout the season a gold patch with the NFL shield on it to commemorate his award. The five major Associated Press award winners from last season will be recognized with such a patch.

“It’s pretty exciting,’’ Surtain told The Denver Gazette after Thursday’s practice at Broncos Park. “I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s a good way for the NFL to recognize the hard work all the guys put in, so I think that’s pretty unique that they did that.”

Surtain was named one of Denver’s eight captains Wednesday, the second straight year he has had that designation, and will wear a “C” throughout the season. He also found out Wednesday about the gold patch he will wear, starting with Sunday’s opener against the Tennessee Titans at Empower Field at Mile High.

“I think they should have been doing that before,’’ Surtain said of the NFL. “But I’m glad they’ve started to recognize guys who got accolades and those awards, player-of-the-year awards. They deserve the recognition.”

Also wearing such patches during the season will be 2024 Most Valuable Player Josh Allen, a Buffalo quarterback, Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley, a Philadelphia running back, Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, a Washington quarterback, and Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, a Los Angeles Rams linebacker.

“It’s pretty cool,’’ Surtain said.