Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II enjoyed a big day on Wednesday – and not just because he signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension.

With the Broncos preparing to kick off their 2024 schedule on Sunday, Surtain was named a team captain for the first time in his career.

“First of all, the contract is like a huge burden off my shoulders, man,” Surtain said. “I’m honestly just very relieved from it. Just to be able to sign and seal that deal, man, is honestly a blessing, for sure. And being a captain for the team means a lot. It shows how much this organization believes in me, this team believes in me. And like I said, I don’t take that for granted. And I’m going to give it everything I got on that field this year, for sure.”

The Broncos already had control of Surtain through the 2025 season by picking up their fifth-year option on his first contract, signed after Denver added the former Alabama All-American with the ninth pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. But Surtain became eligible for a contract extension when he completed his third season, and the Broncos moved to keep the cornerback long-term.

“It’s honestly surreal just seeing the gratitude behind it and how much it means for this organization and for myself,” Surtain said. “I’m glad to be here for many years to come and looking to build on the future, for sure. …

“It’s life-changing, honestly, to be able to get this deal done so early in my career. Some people don’t be able to see second contracts, and to be able to see that and to be able to have that deal done is honestly a blessing.”

In 2021, Surtain made the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie team. In his second season, Surtain earned Pro Bowl recognition and made first-team All-Pro. Last season, Surtain went to the Pro Bowl again.

The contract extension has the highest annual average value of any defensive back in NFL history.

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“At the end of the day, I just focus on doing the best I could do on the field, being the best version of myself each and every day,” Surtain said. “I don’t try to allow the pressure to get to me. I build off of it. Just play the game that I play and love doing. …

“I’m just willing to grow and willing to get better each and every year. And I know what I can work on, and I know what I could get better at. And I’m very confident in my abilities, but I know that there’s a high ceiling for me. And I’m just looking forward to keep on getting better each and every year.”

The Broncos kick off their season against the Seattle Seahawks at 3:05 p.m. CDT Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle.

“I’m looking forward to this year,” Surtain said. “Obviously, it’s my first year being a captain. I don’t take that role very lightly. I mean, it’s a huge honor for me to be able to lead such a great team moving forward towards the season, so I’m honestly very grateful for it, and I can’t wait for the year to start.”

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.