Nik Bonitto is riding the momentum of a breakout season, and he’s got his sights set on even greater heights in the year ahead. After generating 13.5 sacks during the 2024 season, Bonitto is feeling an intensified hunger to build upon his newfound success as the Denver Broncos gear up for the coming season.
“I feel like it’s made me hungrier,” Bonitto shared in a recent appearance on “The Jim Rome Show.” “Now that I’ve kind of got a taste, having a really good season and everything that comes with that, I feel like I’ve attacked this offseason the hungriest I have. I’m really looking forward to getting back out there and seeing how much I’ve grown with all the training.”
As Bonitto settled into a more prominent role last season, it was evident that he could elevate the Broncos’ defense. He tallied 48 combined tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and ramped up pressure on quarterbacks with 54 quarterback pressures and 24 hits, firmly establishing himself as a vital contributor. Notably, he recorded at least one sack in 11 games, showcasing consistency that every edge rusher yearns for.
Reflecting on his journey, Bonitto noted that his progress stemmed from a mix of preparation and teamwork. “I feel like it was a bunch of things — whether it was my preparation, taking in more each year…film sessions, the weight room, practice habits, things like that,” he said. On the field, he emphasized the importance of playing alongside selfless teammates. “When you’re with a bunch of selfless guys like the ones I’m rushing with, everybody eats. It’s just a matter of dialing into the game plan and rushing together.”
Bonitto’s partnership with Jonathon Cooper stands out as one of the highlights of the Broncos’ defense. Together, they formed a dynamic pass-rushing duo, with Cooper notching 10.5 sacks. Their collaborative energy echoes the camaraderie displayed by past well-known Broncos pairs, making them the first teammates to reach double-digit sacks since the duo of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb in 2018.
“Me and Coop have always kinda pushed each other,” Bonitto explained. “We’re a competitive group, and we remind ourselves of the goals we came into the league with. There’s a healthy competition and a brotherhood between us, and I’m glad with how it’s going. We’re spreading it onto the younger guys and making it such a competitive room where everyone wants to be great.”
Bonitto also proved his mettle against top-tier competition in the AFC West, managing to snag three sacks in just two games against the Kansas City Chiefs. His highlight moment came in the form of a thrilling pick-six against the Indianapolis Colts, where he intercepted a double pass—a testament to his playmaking ability.
As he secures his position within defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s plans, Bonitto may soon find himself in discussions for a significant contract extension.
With a successful 2024 campaign behind them, where the Broncos finished with a 10-7 record and made the playoffs for the first time since 2015, there’s a palpable sense of optimism around the team. With the addition of impactful players such as safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, the Broncos’ defense is shaping up to be even more formidable in the upcoming season. Bonitto, driven and determined, is ready to take the next step in his career—an exciting prospect for both him and the Broncos’ fanbase.
