The Associated Press announced its 2023 All-Pro Team on Friday and Denver Broncos star defensive back Pat Surtain did not make the squad, not even as a second-team cornerback.
Fellow defensive back Justin Simmons did make the All-Pro Team as a second-team safety, and he did not appreciate “PS2” being overlooked.
“There are people on this app that think PS2 isn’t a top 4 corner 😭,” Simmons wrote on his Twitter/X page. “I’m not naming them or quote tweeting because they want the attention. Just know you’re a clown and always will be and at some point you will be addressed, now just isn’t the time. Pat is ELITE.”
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson also gave his endorsement to Surtain:
No better corner than @PatSurtainll #2 #AllPro
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) January 12, 2024
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay also dubbed Surtain the best in the league.
P2 is the best right now in my opinion.. https://t.co/u00STg6D6d
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) January 12, 2024
Apparently, not everyone agrees.
James Merilatt, a digital editor for DenverSports.com, wrote this on his Twitter/X page:
“The PS2 outrage is funny. Dude made zero plays this year. Don’t give me the ‘hey don’t throw his direction’ nonsense. The Patriots did, on the biggest play of the season, and he got beat. He wasn’t an All-Pro this year. Not even close!”
That drew this response from Surtain:
You been hating ever since I got in the league … for some reason lol go watch the tape and I can speak for myself not these clowns on this app including you !! Look at all my 3 years and measure that up ! You talking like you know something https://t.co/wJTHuQdNje
— Patrick Surtain (@PatSurtainll) January 13, 2024
Who give these folks credibility lol ..
— Patrick Surtain (@PatSurtainll) January 13, 2024
Simmons then broke his stance on not responding to Surtain’s haters.
And my tweet was about him. But I won’t see his reply. He is muted.
Dang…I went against my own word and not trynna give him clicks. Oh well..worth exposing guys that have a personal vendetta against people.
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) January 13, 2024
🤡
😂😂😂😂😂😂
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) January 13, 2024
After vacation don’t forget to punch in your clock on Monday. Crazy how you’re attacking generational talent when you have no background to stand on for it. I never respond to anyone because it’s not worth. But you attack Pat shows your character. This is my last reply. Enjoy.
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) January 13, 2024
Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto chimed in, too.
Yet you are using your platform to try to demean a 23 year old when you suppose to be a grown ass man you clown 👎🏽 https://t.co/nQwv5OpttH
— Nik Bonitto (@nikkkkbonitto) January 13, 2024
And safety Caden Sterns …
Boohoo🥲 don’t talk about shit you have no knowledge in. https://t.co/RssuMVRHsv
— Caden Sterns (@CSterns_7) January 13, 2024
And safety P.J. Locke …
Look guys! A real Ronald McDonald 🤡 https://t.co/RY2roRMI4s
— James "PJ" Locke III (@PjLocke4) January 13, 2024
Clearly, Simmons and his teammates did not appreciate the disrespect directed toward Surtain.
Look everyone, someone wants to play victim after being called out 😂. I guess football players don’t work for a living, how classless of us.
Again, I went against my word on not responding. I guess I really want you to succeed with your podcast you run on 107. Wishing the best! https://t.co/svIOIOuKxs
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) January 13, 2024
Although he was snubbed by AP All-Pro voters, Surtain was elected by players, coaches and fans as a starter for this season’s Pro Bowl. The 23-year-old defensive back is easily one of the top four cornerbacks in the NFL, even if AP voters don’t see it that way.