For six years, every season ended the same way for Courtland Sutton — in disappointment.
The AFC championship banners hanging on the walls of the Broncos’ indoor practice field and the three Lombardi trophies sitting behind glass in the main lobby served as constant reminders of the franchise’s winning tradition.
But, up until Sunday afternoon at Empower Field, Sutton said, “We haven’t held up our end of the bargain.”
In his seventh season, one that began with low expectations, Sutton helped change that. It started with the Broncos securing a winning record for the first time since 2016 against Indianapolis. And it continued Sunday when Denver (10-7) defeated Kansas City, 38-0, in the regular-season finale to end the franchise’s eight-season playoff drought.
“It’s a really good feeling to know that we have an opportunity to extend our season,” the 29-year-old pass catcher said. “I’m grateful to do this with the guys in our locker room.”
Broncos head coach Sean Payton has coached his fair share of playoff games. He wanted to make sure Sutton and starting left tackle Garett Bolles were able to get a chance at playing meaningful football in January.
Payton said watching both players get this opportunity is like taking a friend or a family member to your favorite movie or restaurant.
“The postseason or the Super Bowl, those are things that you want others to (experience),” Payton said. “It’s exciting.”
Sutton spent less time reflecting on the past and more on those who helped the Broncos get back to playoff football. He praised the team’s overall resilience. He gave credit to the defense for holding the Chiefs to 98 total yards. However, his speech about fellow teammate and quarterback Bo Nix being “that guy” could’ve lasted longer than his 11-minute postgame news conference.
Both players have established an efficient connection, which was again on display against Kansas City. During Denver’s second drive of the first quarter, Nix dropped back and found Sutton for a 47-yard pass. Two plays later, they connected on a 10-yard touchdown to give Denver a 14-0 lead with 4:53 to go in the second quarter.
Sutton finished with five catches for 98 yards on a team-high seven targets.
“He’s just determined to be the best that he can be,” Sutton said of Nix. “It ultimately makes everyone around him better. I never wavered.’”
Sutton played for more than just a playoff berth on Sunday. He needed just 82 yards to reach 1,065 and receive a $500,000 bonus. He ended the regular season with 1,081 — a career-high.
Broncos defensive tackle Malcolm Roach jokingly said Sutton should use the money to buy him a gift.
“We’re gonna see about that because I’m getting a gift from him and (defensive end John Franklin-Myers),” Roach said.
Roach added that he’s happy for Sutton to get the opportunity to play in the postseason because the veteran wide receiver will be in the national spotlight. “The world gets to see him. He’s one of the best receivers I’ve been around.”
Sutton had every reason to smile walking off the field. Before this season, the team had a 38-61 record since drafting him in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft. He had played with eight starting quarterbacks and seen his name in trade talks. On Sunday, all that disappointment faded away.
“You can’t expect instant gratification when running a marathon,” Sutton said. “Through those dark times where we would play the last three to four games with no playoff contention, you (had) to lean on faith. This is really dope, man.”
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