Nik Bonitto has matched an impressive Von Miller stat

Nik Bonitto and Von Miller are the only players in Broncos history to record 10+ sacks and grab a pick-six in the same season.

Denver Broncos pass rusher Nik Bonitto had another huge performance in a 41-32 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football in Week 13.

Bonitto recorded a sack and grabbed a 71-yard pick-six in the win. Following that impressive play, Bonitto became just the second player in franchise history to record at least ten sacks and a pick-six in the same season, joining Broncos legend Von Miller.

Nix’s 71-yard return was the third-longest by a linebacker in franchise history, only trailing Randy Gradishar (93 yards in 1980) and Tom Jackson (73 yards in 1977).

Bonitto reached a top speed of 19.88 mph on his return, the second-fastest among linebackers carrying the ball this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Following the play, the father of Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain called for Bonitto to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Surtain Sr. certainly isn’t alone in his stance.

Bonitto still has another year on his contract after this season, but after giving Jonathon Cooper a big extension, Bonitto’s deal should be the team’s next priority.

“I’ve been trying to tell people I used to play safety back in the day and people are surprised,” Bonitto said after the game. “Just trying to do my job. When I saw a chance to break on the ball, I kind of just went and did that.”

Bonitto’s 11 sacks this season rank second in the NFL, only trailing Trey Hendrickson (11.5). He’ll look to build on that total after the bye when the Broncos host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.

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