ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — For the first time ever, Denver Broncos Sweeping team awards from the Denver Chapter of the Professional Football Writers Association.
“Honestly, it’s an honor to be recognized, not just for my performance but for who I am as a person,” Nick Bonito said Friday.
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The PFWA presents two awards to Broncos players each year.
The first is the Darrent Williams Good Guy Award, presented to the player who best exemplifies Williams’ passion, honesty and cooperation with reporters.
The second is the Team MVP Award for Demaryius Thomas.
Bonito wins both times.
“First of all, I want to thank you for voting for me for these two awards,” he said. “I know the two guys that the award was named after before me, Demaryius and Darrent, were such high-character guys in the locker room and in Denver. They have such a high standard and I strive to live up to that standard every day, just being here and being able to work with you guys and do that for my teammates. It’s truly a blessing and I really appreciate you guys.”
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Members of the Denver media submit ballots for the award. A large number of candidates split the vote for both awards. Bonito came out on top.
“I think the vote represents how well the team is doing this season,” said PFWA At-Large member Jeff Legwold. “They have a chance to tie the franchise record for wins in a season. So the voting reflects that. We have a lot of candidates vying for both awards, but this year’s winner is Nik Bonitto.”
“I was kind of shocked to win,” Bonito said. “I knew I was good with you guys, but I didn’t think I could do that. I thought it was cool when they told me that.”
Bonito joins the Broncos as a second-round draft pick ahead of the 2022 season. After a slow start to his career, Bonito now has back-to-back Pro Bowl invitations. In 2024, he has 13.5 sacks. In 2025, with a week left in the regular season, he had 12.5 sacks.
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“I feel like it’s the same everywhere I’ve been,” Bonito said. “I always have to work [at] every level. From high school, college to the NFL. I feel like those things shape you as a person, you always want to get out of trouble, you want to do things the right way. Nothing is given directly to you. You always want to work for it and want to go out and take it. I’ve always had that mentality, so I feel like that reflects on everyone in the locker room as well. Yes, I feel like this is who I really am. “
JK Dobbins If not for his season-ending injury, he might have been in contention for the MVP award. A month off the court can lead to injury Pat Surtan IIalso. quarterback, BonixHe’s almost always in the discussion for team MVP when the team is doing well, but he couldn’t beat Bonitto.
As for the good guy award, any number of Broncos deserve it.
“This is one of the best locker rooms I’ve ever seen,” Bonito said. “Obviously, it’s easier on the field when we’re able to love each other and play for each other as much as we do on defense, but when we’re able to get along like we do, with so many good guys in the locker room that really care about each other and are always there, I feel like it’s just a special thing. There aren’t that many locker rooms like this in the league. I’m blessed to be a part of it.”