DENVER — Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will be presented with the 15th annual Darrent Williams Good Guy Award, the Denver Broncos announced Thursday.
In addition, Broncos' safety Justin Simmons will receive the inaugural Demaryius Thomas Team MVP Award as recognized by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) Denver chapter.
The Good Guy Award was created in memory of cornerback Darrent Williams, who passed away on Jan. 1, 2007, after completing his second season with the Broncos.
The award is given annually to the Bronco who best exemplifies Williams’ enthusiasm, cooperation and honesty while dealing with members of the press.
> Above video: Darrent Williams' son remembers him through football.
Bridgewater is the 12th different Bronco to receive the award.
"The Darrent Williams Good Guy Award has always been one to honor accountability and professionalism, two things that Darrent, without fail, showed in his career," said ESPN's Jeff Legwold. "Teddy Bridgewater — the first Broncos player from the team’s offense to have been selected for the award — showed plenty of both in another season impacted by COVID-19 off the field for the team as well as struggles on it. He was consistently cited in the voting for his forthright approach and thoughtful responses."
All-Time Darrent Williams Good Guy Award Winners
- 2007 — John Lynch
- 2008 — Ebenezer Ekuban
- 2009 — Elvis Dumervil
- 2010 — Mario Haggan
- 2011 — Champ Bailey
- 2012 — Wesley Woodyard
- 2013 — Chris Harris Jr.
- 2014 — Terrance Knighton
- 2015 — Brandon Marshall
- 2016 — DeMarcus Ware
- 2017 — Justin Simmons
- 2018 — Chris Harris Jr.
- 2019 — Justin Simmons
- 2020 — Justin Simmons
- 2021 — Teddy Bridgewater
"The PFWA’s Denver chapter has also, as of this season, started what will be Demaryius Thomas Team MVP Award in honor of Thomas’ career with the Broncos, his impact on the team and the community during his time in Denver," Legwold said.
"Those who played alongside Thomas said it would be a fitting honor to both remember D.T. as well as honor the best on-field performance in the coming seasons. Justin Simmons was a deserving and fitting choice as the first winner."
The Team MVP Award was created to honor the life and legacy of former Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who passed away on Dec. 9, 2021.
The award will be given annually to the player who best exhibits Thomas’ impact on the team, both on and off the field.
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