Broncos’ CB Pat Surtain II Weighs In on Big Stadium Announcement
The process of building a new stadium can spark heated debate among the loyal fan bases of any NFL franchise. Come 2031, the Denver Broncos plan to move a short distance to a new stadium site on approximately 100 acres at Burnham Yard, a mere hop, skip, and a jump from the current location of Empower Field at Mile High.
The old echoes of the historic railyard will be replaced by roaring cheers of Broncos Country, more proof of the locomotive that is progress. No tax dollars will be used in the construction of the Walton-Penner ownership group's coming Broncos stadium and fan destination. The Walton-Penners will fund the project privately.
Some Broncos fans might question the plan's merit, including the team's plan for the new stadium to feature a retractable roof. Nostalgia might well skew the perception that snow games are more frequent than they actually are.
Most importantly, the Walmart-Penner ownership group is committing its vast wealth to the team, city, fans, and the players. One such player is Broncos' All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year appreciates what's in store for the Broncos' new stadium, which would debut in his 11th NFL season.
"Yeah, I think it's pretty cool," Surtain told Denver Sports' Andrew Mason on Tuesday. "It is a testament to show our ownership group always pitching new levels and new heights. Seeing what we can do to elevate the team and the organization. And I think, starting that up, bringing that up, I think, is huge for the team and the organization. I can't wait to see what it brings in the future, but I heard I'm going to be in Year 11. So, obviously, there's some time before then, but I'm going to for sure look forward to it."
No player will thumb his nose at the future prospect of having a new "world-class" stadium to call home. That being said, the Broncos' owners are shrewd enough to know that moving the team away from its current Empower Field at Mile High, which opened back in 2001, will require tactful, savvy public-relations efforts.
Going public at this early juncture with the "preferred" site for the stadium puts pressure on the city of Denver to play ball, so to speak. The Broncos' formative plan for a new stadium is big news, especially when it comes to attracting more star players to come play in the Mile High City.
Championship ambitions continue to be projected from the very top of the Broncos organization down to the bedrock of the franchise. If Surtain feels the Walton-Penner group's ambitions are indeed infectious, so will others.
Miami rap legend advocates for Dolphins to rescue Shedeur Sanders from Browns' wrath
The Miami Dolphins are heading into what could be a period of serious change. Head coach Mike McDaniel is on the hot seat, and this year’s squad just doesn’t seem to have the juice to save his job. Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa may also be nearing the end of his tenure in Miami.
“His contract guarantees his pay through 2026. If the Dolphins fall flat and change coaches, the next coach likely will want a fresh start at quarterback. While the cap charges will complicate a split before 2027, every high-end quarterback contract eventually leads to a big cap charge when the relationship ends. The next coach (and the next G.M., if owner Stephen Ross cleans house) may want to rip the Band-Aid off in one motion,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote.
There doesn’t seem to be as much confidence in Tagovailoa from the organization as there once was.
“What is interesting is that Miami may not have the same confidence they had in him two years ago. They could have created $19 million in cap room with a simple restructure, but opted not to do so, citing they didn't need the extra money,” Phin Phanatic’s Brian Miller noted.
If the Dolphins decide to move on, Miami rap legend Luther “Luke” Campbell has proposed a bold move: acquiring Shedeur Sanders in a trade.
“Dear Miami Dolphins front office: trade for Shedeur Sanders. We’ve got world-class speed on the perimeter and a creative offense—pair that with a young QB who’s built for big moments and let him develop in Miami. Cleveland’s QB room is crowded; there’s a window to make a smart move for our future. Do right by the city—go get him,” Campbell posted.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Sanders hasn’t been given many opportunities in the Browns system and has reportedly been throwing to equipment staff at times. He could develop behind Tagovailoa, and if Miami decides to move on, he could be ready to step in. The Dolphins have the weapons to support him, though the offensive line remains a major concern. Still, Sanders might thrive in Miami’s high-octane environment.
