Two members of the Denver Broncos have been named finalists for major NFL awards. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto is a finalist for the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year, while Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph is a finalist for AP Assistant Coach of the Year.
Bonitto’s season included 14 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits, 46 total tackles, two forced fumbles and one pass defensed. He was recently selected as a Pro Bowler for the second time and made the 2025 PFWA All-NFL team in January. In postseason play, Bonitto added another sack, two forced fumbles, three tackles, a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss.
If Bonitto wins, he would become the third player in Broncos history to receive NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. Previous winners from the franchise include Pat Surtain II in 2024 and Hall of Famer Randy Gradishar in 1978. Bonitto and Surtain would also be the first teammates to win this award in consecutive years since Baltimore’s Ed Reed (2004) and Ray Lewis (2003).
Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph could be the first Broncos coach to earn Assistant Coach of the Year since Wade Phillips won it in 2015. Under Joseph’s leadership during the 2025 season, Denver’s defense finished second in total defense, third in scoring defense, first in yards allowed per play, second against the run and first in passing yards allowed per play. The team also led the league in red-zone defense and ranked second on third-down stops.
The winners will be revealed at the NFL Honors awards show on February 5. The event will air live on NBC and NFL Network at 9 p.m. ET and will be available to stream on Peacock and NFL+.
