NFL awards night is always a spectacle—suits sharper than game-day cleats, legends rubbing shoulders with rising stars, and a stage set for unforgettable moments. This year, New Orleans played host, with the one and only Snoop Dogg running the show. The hall was filled with all the important people in the football world. Look around and you could spot the GOAT Tom Brady, HoF coach Tony Dungy, and present players like Saquon Barkley and Joe Burrow.
Everyone was dressed up. The mood light and cheerful all around. But when the Defensive Player of the Year was announced, the atmosphere shifted. Broncos CB Pat Surtain II’s name echoed through the venue, and a ripple of surprise ran through the crowd. Some cheered, others sat in stunned silence. Browns DE Myles Garrett, the presumed favorite, had done unto him what he’s looking to do to Cleveland—he was left out in the cold. And as the realization set in, the internet did what it does best—erupted.
PS2 got 26 first-place votes followed by Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson (11 first-place votes) and Garrett (5 first-place votes). Famed Steelers LB TJ Watt finished a disappointing 4th with only 3 first-place votes. For those of you who don’t know, 50 panelists choose 5 players. First place gets 10 points, 5 points for 2nd place with 3,2,1 for the next 3 positions.
@PatSurtainll is the 2024 @AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year pic.twitter.com/FnpCqno4XP
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) February 7, 2025
Surtain got 330 total points and became only the 2nd Bronco since Randy Gradishar in 1978 to win the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY). He had almost 2.5 times the points that Myles Garrett (162 points) did. In 16 games (all starting) this year, Pat Surtain II recorded 4 interceptions (1 for TD) for 132 yards, 11 passes defended, and 45 tackles (34 solo). On the other hand, The Browns DE played 17 games (all starting) in 2024, with 1 defended pass, 14 sacks, 47 tackles (40 solo), and 28 QB hits. Both incredible performances!
However, the voting panel chose the Broncos cornerback, making it a perfect year for him. Just before the 2024 season, he signed a 4-year $96 million extension. Further accolades came in the form of Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro selections. The CB looked dapper in a green blazer and expressed happiness after winning the award.
Fans were furious. They wanted the Browns DE to win the honor. And they started venting on social media.
Twitter erupts over Myles Garrett snub for 2024 DPOY
The anger was visible as one fan wrote, “Over Myles Garrett? Psh” But another fan had a hilarious reaction. He got into his feels, reminiscing the make-a-wish campaigns, and tweeted, “Make a Wish DPOY’s now lmao????” There were a lot more that agreed with his opinion and believed that Myles Garrett was robbed of the award.
Over Myles Garrett? Psh
— Buckeye B (@BuckeyeeeB) February 7, 2025
One disappointed fan vented, “Over Myles Garrett is insane.” One thing that might have gone against the Browns DE is that he won the Defensive Player of the Year Award for 2023. He had the same sacks (14) in 16 games last year compared to 17 games this year. Maybe that’s why the panel chose another player.
Notably, even the caption during the live telecast mentioned Myles Garrett. One fan pointed to the mistake with curiosity, “Did anyone else see that? Why did the caption say Myles Garrett?” It was a shocker to everyone watching the show. Another person couldn’t understand what happened and asked, “But wait it said Mylees Garrett on the screen so won?!?” However, the award will most certainly be going to Denver with the CB.
There were surprises in the awards for the fans. But it’s the same story. The Broncos camp is excited while the Browns fanbase is sad. Can’t win ’em all!
The post Disgust Mounts Over Tom Brady and AP’s Myles Garrett Robbery After Broncos’ Pat Surtain II Won DPOY Award appeared first on EssentiallySports.