Nik Bonitto receives two team awards from PFWA's Denver chapter

Since 2024, Denver Broncos pass rusher Nik Bonitto has been an undeniable force for the team during their incredible 2025 season.

Bonitto's impact on and off the field earned him two team awards, voted on by the Pro Football Writers of America Denver chapter: the Demaryius Thomas Team MVP award and the Darrent Williams Good Guy award.

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This marks only the fifth year the Thomas award has been presented, and Bonitto is only the third Bronco to ever receive the award. The Demaryius Thomas MVP award "is given annually to the player who best exhibits Thomas’ impact on the team, both on and off the field," said a press release from the Broncos.

“The team’s success this season showed in the voting, given several players received consideration with many worthy of the award, but Nik was cited over and over for impact in games,” said Denver ESPN writer Jeff Legwold. Cornerback Pat Surtain and former safety Justin Simmons are the only other players to win the award.

The Darrent Williams Good Guy award is named after the former cornerback, who was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting on New Year's Day 2007. "The award is given annually to the Bronco who best exemplifies Williams’ enthusiasm, cooperation and honesty while dealing with members of the press," according to the press release. “In a testament to the level of accountability in the locker room, more players received individual votes this year than in any year over the last decade,” said Legwold. “But even as the top three in the voting stood out in the group, Nik was a clear winner as he was repeatedly cited for his candor and the depth of his answers.”

Bonitto is the first dual winner of the awards, the 16^th different Bronco and sixth linebacker to win the award. Jonathon Cooper and Mike McGlinchey also received votes for the award.

Bonitto, a two-time Pro Bowler and 2024 Associated Press second-team All-Pro, has started 15-of-16 games played for the Broncos in 2025. In total, he has recorded 44 tackles (30 solo), a team-high 12.5 sacks (82.5 yds.), 26 quarterback hits, one pass defensed and one forced fumble, with one game to go, in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Congratulations on the well-deserved awards!

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Nik Bonitto receives two team awards from PFWA