Now in his third season, Denver Broncos defensive back Pat Surtain is already considered one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He’d like an opportunity to make plays on offense, too.
During an interview on The Insiders last week, Surtain was asked by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero if he has pitched playing a few plays on offense to coach Sean Payton.
“You know, it’s funny, because a couple weeks ago I was acting like I was lining up at receiver and doing some releases and some routes,” Surtain said on NFL Network. “And I was trying to get Sean’s attention — he looked, but he kind of brushed me off in a way.
“You know, I definitely — if [there is] a time and opportunity to get those offensive snaps, I would definitely be there. Because I always wanted to be an offensive player growing up. So if I [ever] get a time or a chance to play offense, you know, I would do so.”
The most famous examples of cornerbacks playing on offense are Deion Sanders and Devin Hester (who eventually converted to wide receiver). Sanders and Hester also returned kicks on special teams. The Broncos did experiment with Surtain as a punt returner this spring, but Surtain is yet to return any kicks or play any snaps on offense under Payton.
Surtain has returned seven career interceptions for 67 yards, and he also had a long interception return in the NFL’s flag football Pro Bowl last season. The 23-year-old cornerback is dangerous with the ball in his hands, but Denver probably doesn’t want to risk injury to one of its star players.
