For the first time, a Denver Broncos player has received both annual awards given by the local media. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto was selected as the 2025 Darrent Williams Good Guy Award winner and the Demaryius Thomas Team MVP Award winner. These honors are chosen by the Denver chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA).
The Darrent Williams Good Guy Award recognizes accountability when dealing with the media, while the Demaryius Thomas Team MVP Award acknowledges on-field performance.
“It honestly, truly, is an honor to get recognized not just for my play but for my character as a person,” Bonitto said Friday. “Knowing the two guys before me that are named after the awards with [Ring of Fame WR] Demaryius [Thomas] and [former Broncos CB] Darrent [Williams] being such high-character guys in the locker room and in Denver. They’ve held such a high standard, and I’m just trying to live to that standard every day — just [being] here and being able to work with you guys and just being that type of guy for my teammates. It truly is a blessing, and I really do appreciate you guys.”
PFWA at-large member Jeff Legwold stated that Bonitto was one of several candidates considered for each award. He noted there were multiple deserving players.
“It’s one of the best locker rooms I’ve been around,” Bonitto said. “Obviously, it’s easy on the field when we can … play for each other the way we do defensively, but when we’re able to just hang out the way we do, have so many good guys in the locker room that just actually care for one another and are always there, I feel like it’s just a special thing. There’s not that many locker rooms like that around the league. I’m blessed to be a part of this for sure.”
Bonitto succeeds Jonathon Cooper as last year’s Good Guy award recipient. Cooper and tackle Mike McGlinchey were also strong contenders for this year’s award.
Bonitto joins former safety Justin Simmons (2021) and All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II (2022-24) among previous winners of the team MVP honor.
“I feel like it’s always been the same everywhere I’ve gone,” Bonitto said. “I’ve always had [to] work [at] every level. … Nothing’s ever just given to you. You always want to have to work for it and want to go out and take it. I’ve always kind of had that mentality, so I feel like it’s a reflection on just everybody in the locker room, as well.”
Defensive lineman Zach Allen, quarterback Bo Nix, and inside linebacker Alex Singleton also received significant support for this year’s MVP award.
