Broward County, FL.- It’s a well known fact that South Florida is the birthplace of elite athletic talent.
From the high school scene, to the collegiate and professional stages, athletes from South Florida shine under the brightest lights. During this NFL season, two South Florida natives stood out amongst the rest, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and Denver Broncos DB Pat Surtain II.
Both Jackson and Surtain dominated this season, and were named as finalists for different NFL awards earlier this morning.
The finalists for AP Most Valuable Player presented by @Invisalign! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/bcemPLMfjo
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
The finalists for AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by @surface! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/N5kcta7tkM
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
The finalists for AP Defensive Player of the Year presented by @TCL_USA! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/LCaNESupFR
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
Lamar Jackson
Per usual, Lamar Jackson was must watch TV this year. Jackson led the Ravens to a 12-5 record, including a trip to the AFC Divisional Round. Lamar was dynamic as ever, destroying defenses in the air and on the ground.
In 2024, Jackson recorded career highs in the passing game, tossing for 4,601 yards and 41 Touchdowns alongside only 5 Interceptions (2nd lowest in career). Lamar also added 1,035 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground.
Lamar’s career year garnered him AP First Team All Pro honors, alongside another Pro Bowl selection. This morning it was announced that Lamar Jackson will be a finalist for the 2024-25 NFL Most Valuable Player and the 2024-25 NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
In the MVP race, Jackson is joined by Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff, Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow and Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley.
In the OPOTY race, Jackson is joined by his teammate, RB Derrick Henry, Cincinnati Bengals QB/WR duo Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, and Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley.
People seem to be forgetting: #Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had one of the best seasons in NFL history this year.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 22, 2025
• 4,601 passing yards
• 49 TOUCHDOWNS
• 5 interceptions
• 120.4 passer rating
• 1,035 rushing yards
• 5,636 total yards
LEGENDARY.
(📸: @HassanBackAgain) pic.twitter.com/STCPXZI9PD
Pat Surtain II
Pat Surtain solidified himself as one of the League’s top corners in 2024.
This year, Surtain fortified the Broncos’ defense, recording 34 tackles, 11 PBU’s, 4 interceptions and 1 forced fumbles on a 87.4% coverage grade (3rd NFL). Patrick Surtain’s dominant season helped propel a “rebuilding” Broncos squad to a WildCard bid.
Patrick Surtain received First Team All Pro honors and a ProBowl selection. This morning, it was announced Surtain is a finalist for the 2024-25 NFL Defensive Player of Year.
In the DPOTY race, Surtain is joined by Cleavland Browns EDGE Myles Garrett, Pittsburgh Steelers LB TJ Watt, Philadelphia Eagles LB Zack Baun and Cincinnati Bengals EDGE Trey Hendrickson.
Patrick Surtain II is that dude. 6’2 200+ pound corners shouldn’t be able to transition like this. pic.twitter.com/nCfg3fzMYM
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) October 2, 2022
Congratulations to both Lamar Jackson and Pat Surtain on incredible 2024 campaigns. South Florida’s stars will travel to New Orleans, LA. on Thursday, February 6th to attend the 2025 NFL Honors Ceremony.
Cover Photo Credits: Getty Images
