Denver Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain II has found himself at the centre of a social media storm after offering a controversial prediction for Super Bowl LX. The incident occurred during the Pro Bowl Games, where Surtain was asked to forecast the outcome of the upcoming championship clash.
A 'Salty' Forecast Draws Immediate Reaction
When prompted for his Super Bowl score prediction, Surtain responded, "Umm... 35-7, Seattle." This bold forecast, suggesting a dominant Seattle Seahawks victory, was quickly disseminated online, sparking a wave of criticism from NFL supporters. Many fans were swift to connect his comments to the Denver Broncos' recent postseason exit.
Playoff Defeat Fuels Fan Speculation
Surtain and the Broncos saw their Super Bowl aspirations dashed just weeks earlier in the AFC Championship game. They were eliminated by the New England Patriots in a hard-fought, weather-affected contest that ended 10-7, sending the Patriots to their 12th franchise Super Bowl appearance. This context led numerous observers to label Surtain's prediction as "salty," implying lingering bitterness over the defeat.
Fan reactions on platform X were particularly pointed. One user wrote, "Have fun playing flag football this week bum," a reference to the Pro Bowl's altered format. Another commented simply, "Oh he is salty," while a further post read, "Damn he's still upset i see." The criticism extended to his own prospects, with one remark stating, "Enjoy Cancun Pat! Here's to hoping that you never play in a Super Bowl."
Surtain's Stellar Credentials Amid the Controversy
The backlash comes despite Surtain's impeccable professional credentials. He is fresh from a Pro Bowl selection for the 2025 season and was also named to the All-Pro second-team. His career accolades are formidable; the previous year, he secured the NFL's prestigious Defensive Player of the Year award and earned his second career first-team All-Pro nod, underscoring his status as one of the league's premier defensive talents.
This episode highlights how athletes' comments, even in a lighthearted setting like the Pro Bowl, can be intensely scrutinised and interpreted through the lens of recent team fortunes. The convergence of playoff heartbreak and a bold public prediction has created a notable moment of fan engagement and critique as the NFL world looks ahead to Super Bowl LX.
