Broncos CB Patrick Surtain Defends Teammate Accused of Biased Calls
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, publicly supported teammate Riley Moss, who has faced scrutiny during his breakout season.
Moss made history when he started the 2024 season opener, becoming the NFL’s first white starting cornerback in 22 years. Since then, he’s earned recognition as one of the league’s most promising defensive backs, often targeted by opposing quarterbacks who avoid throwing toward Surtain’s side of the field.
Despite his strong play, Moss has drawn several pass interference penalties, raising questions about officiating bias. Surtain addressed this during an appearance on the “Closed on Sundays” podcast with Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold.
“I ain’t gonna lie, I think they racial profiling my dog,” Surtain joked. “They calling all these flags on my boy… I ain’t gonna lie, these flags is egregious. He had a rep against CeeDee Lamb where he played the ball, was in perfect position, and still got a flag.”
Surtain, currently sidelined for three weeks with a pectoral strain, added that Moss continues to handle the attention with composure as the Broncos secondary remains one of the toughest in the league.
Author’s Summary
Patrick Surtain II humorously suggested referees may be unfairly penalizing teammate Riley Moss, sparking renewed discussion about race and bias in NFL officiating.