Home › Trends5

Patrick Surtain Sr.: Career Stats And Accomplishments

Trends January 12, 2025

Who was Patrick Surtain Sr. and what were his most impressive stats?

Patrick Surtain Sr. was an American football cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. Widely recognized as one of the greatest cornerbacks of all time, here are some of the most notable stats from his career:

Tackles: Surtain Sr. recorded 653 tackles throughout his career, demonstrating his ability to stop opposing ball carriers in the open field.

Interceptions: He intercepted 34 passes during his NFL tenure, showcasing his exceptional ball-hawking skills and ability to create turnovers.

Forced Fumbles: Surtain Sr. forced 13 fumbles, disrupting opposing offenses and creating opportunities for his team to recover the ball.

Defensive Touchdowns: He returned 3 interceptions for touchdowns, highlighting his playmaking ability and knack for scoring.

Pro Bowl Selections: Surtain Sr. was selected to three Pro Bowls, recognizing his consistent excellence and status as one of the top cornerbacks in the league.

These stats underscore Patrick Surtain Sr.'s exceptional talent and contributions as a cornerback in the NFL. His impressive tackling, interception, and playmaking abilities made him a formidable opponent and a valuable asset to his teams.

Personal Details and Bio Data:

Full Name:	Patrick Surtain Sr.
Birth Date:	November 30, 1976
Birth Place:	New Orleans, Louisiana
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	190 lb (86 kg)
College:	Southern Mississippi
NFL Draft:	1998, 1st round, 21st overall
Position:	Cornerback
Teams:	Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Surtain Sr. Stats

Patrick Surtain Sr.'s impressive NFL career is defined by several key aspects of his performance:

Tackles: 653
Interceptions: 34
Forced Fumbles: 13
Defensive Touchdowns: 3
Pro Bowl Selections: 3
NFL All-Pro: 2

These stats highlight Surtain Sr.'s exceptional abilities as a lockdown cornerback. His high tackle count demonstrates his consistent presence in stopping the run and making tackles in the open field. His impressive interception total showcases his ball-hawking skills and ability to create turnovers. Surtain Sr.'s forced fumbles and defensive touchdowns further emphasize his playmaking ability and impact on the game. His multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections are testaments to his dominance at the cornerback position.

1. Tackles

Patrick Surtain Sr.'s impressive tackle count of 653 stands as a testament to his exceptional tackling ability and consistent presence on the field. This impressive stat reflects his ability to effectively stop opposing ball carriers, both in the open field and near the line of scrimmage.

Run Defense: Surtain Sr.'s tackling prowess played a pivotal role in his team's run defense. His ability to quickly diagnose running plays and make decisive tackles helped limit opponents' rushing yards and set up favorable down-and-distance situations.
Open-Field Tackling: Surtain Sr. excelled at tackling in the open field, preventing ball carriers from gaining significant yardage after making initial contact. His agility and technique allowed him to pursue and bring down elusive runners, limiting their ability to break away for big plays.
Physicality: Surtain Sr.'s physicality and strength were key factors in his effective tackling. He possessed the power to shed blocks and deliver punishing hits, consistently driving ball carriers to the ground.
Football IQ: Surtain Sr.'s high football IQ also contributed to his impressive tackle count. His ability to anticipate play development and quickly react allowed him to position himself effectively and make tackles at crucial moments.

Patrick Surtain Sr.'s tackling ability was a cornerstone of his success as a cornerback. His 653 tackles over 11 NFL seasons demonstrate his exceptional talent, consistency, and impact on the game.

2. Interceptions

Patrick Surtain Sr.'s impressive stat of 34 interceptions over 11 NFL seasons highlights his exceptional ball-hawking skills and playmaking ability as a cornerback. Interceptions are a crucial component of a cornerback's performance, representing their ability to read the quarterback, anticipate pass patterns, and secure possession of the ball.

Surtain Sr.'s knack for interceptions stems from several key factors:

Quick Reaction Time: Surtain Sr. possessed exceptional reaction time, allowing him to quickly identify and respond to the quarterback's release. This enabled him to break on passes and make interceptions before receivers could adjust their routes.
Anticipation and Reading the Quarterback: Surtain Sr.'s high football IQ and anticipation skills allowed him to predict the quarterback's next move. By studying tendencies and formations, he could anticipate pass patterns and position himself accordingly.
Exceptional Tracking Ability: Surtain Sr.'s exceptional tracking ability enabled him to follow the flight of the ball and adjust his speed and direction to secure the interception. His focus and concentration allowed him to maintain visual contact with the ball throughout its trajectory.

The practical significance of Surtain Sr.'s 34 interceptions is immense. Interceptions disrupt the opposing team's offense, create turnovers, and provide scoring opportunities. Surtain Sr.'s ability to generate turnovers was a major asset to his teams, helping them gain a competitive advantage and win games.

In conclusion, Patrick Surtain Sr.'s 34 interceptions are a testament to his exceptional ball-hawking skills, anticipation, and playmaking ability. These interceptions played a vital role in his success as a cornerback and made him a valuable asset to his teams throughout his 11-year NFL career.

3. Forced Fumbles

Patrick Surtain Sr.'s impressive stat of 13 forced fumbles over 11 NFL seasons showcases his exceptional ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create turnovers. Forced fumbles are a crucial aspect of a cornerback's performance, as they can lead to turnovers, change the momentum of the game, and provide scoring opportunities.

Stripping Ability: Surtain Sr. possessed an exceptional ability to strip the ball from ball carriers, using his quick hands and aggressive tackling technique. His knack for forcing fumbles was a result of his relentless pursuit and determination to create turnovers.
Timing and Anticipation: Surtain Sr.'s timing and anticipation were also key factors in his ability to force fumbles. He had a knack for identifying vulnerable ball carriers and striking at the opportune moment, increasing his chances of dislodging the ball.
Strength and Physicality: Surtain Sr.'s strength and physicality played a significant role in his success as a turnover-forcing cornerback. His ability to overpower ball carriers, wrap them up securely, and drive them to the ground increased the likelihood of jarring the ball loose.
Football IQ: Surtain Sr.'s high football IQ also contributed to his impressive forced fumble count. His understanding of offensive tendencies and formations allowed him to anticipate plays and position himself effectively to disrupt ball carriers.

The practical significance of Surtain Sr.'s 13 forced fumbles is immense. Forced fumbles create scoring opportunities for the defense, as recovered fumbles can lead to turnovers and field position advantages. Surtain Sr.'s ability to force fumbles was a major asset to his teams, helping them gain a competitive advantage and win games.

In conclusion, Patrick Surtain Sr.'s 13 forced fumbles are a testament to his exceptional tackling skills, anticipation, and playmaking ability. These forced fumbles played a vital role in his success as a cornerback and made him a valuable asset to his teams throughout his 11-year NFL career.

4. Defensive Touchdowns

Patrick Surtain Sr.'s impressive stat of 3 defensive touchdowns over 11 NFL seasons highlights his exceptional playmaking ability and impact on the game. Defensive touchdowns are a rare and impactful occurrence, showcasing a cornerback's ability to create turnovers and score points for their team.

Interception Returns: Surtain Sr.'s 3 defensive touchdowns all came via interception returns, demonstrating his ability to read the quarterback, anticipate pass patterns, and secure possession of the ball. His exceptional instincts and ball-hawking skills allowed him to capitalize on these opportunities and take them to the end zone.
Speed and Agility: Surtain Sr.'s speed and agility were crucial factors in his ability to score defensive touchdowns. His quick acceleration and change of direction allowed him to break away from defenders and outrun them to the end zone.
Field Awareness: Surtain Sr.'s high football IQ and field awareness played a significant role in his success as a defensive touchdown scorer. His ability to anticipate the quarterback's intentions and position himself accordingly increased his chances of making interceptions and taking them to the house.
Big-Play Ability: Surtain Sr.'s defensive touchdowns showcased his big-play ability and knack for making game-changing plays. His ability to generate turnovers and score points was a major asset to his teams, helping them gain a competitive advantage and win games.

In conclusion, Patrick Surtain Sr.'s 3 defensive touchdowns are a testament to his exceptional playmaking skills, athleticism, and impact on the game. These touchdowns played a vital role in his success as a cornerback and made him a valuable asset to his teams throughout his 11-year NFL career.

5. Pro Bowl Selections

Patrick Surtain Sr.'s three Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his exceptional performance and recognition as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL during his playing days. These selections highlight his consistent excellence and impact on the game, as Pro Bowl rosters are voted on by players, coaches, and fans.

Elite Performance: Surtain Sr.'s Pro Bowl selections are a recognition of his elite level of play. He consistently ranked among the best cornerbacks in the league, demonstrating his ability to shut down opposing receivers, make big plays, and contribute to his team's success.
Versatility and Impact: Surtain Sr.'s versatility and impact as a cornerback were key factors in his Pro Bowl selections. He was not only a lockdown defender but also a playmaker who could generate turnovers and score touchdowns. His ability to make an impact in multiple ways made him a valuable asset to his teams.
Consistency and Longevity: Surtain Sr.'s three Pro Bowl selections over an 11-year career showcase his consistency and longevity as a top performer. He maintained a high level of play throughout his career, earning the respect and recognition of his peers and the football community.

In conclusion, Patrick Surtain Sr.'s three Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his exceptional talent and contributions as a cornerback in the NFL. These selections highlight his elite performance, versatility, impact, consistency, and longevity, solidifying his status as one of the best cornerbacks of his generation.

6. NFL All-Pro

Patrick Surtain Sr.'s two NFL All-Pro selections are a significant recognition of his exceptional performance and impact on the game. These selections highlight his dominance at the cornerback position and his ability to consistently perform at the highest level.

Elite Performance: Surtain Sr.'s All-Pro selections are a testament to his elite level of play. He was widely regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, demonstrating his ability to shut down opposing receivers, make big plays, and contribute to his team's success.
Dominant Coverage: Surtain Sr.'s exceptional coverage skills were a key factor in his All-Pro selections. He possessed excellent technique, footwork, and instincts, allowing him to consistently stay with receivers and prevent them from making big plays.
Playmaking Ability: In addition to his coverage skills, Surtain Sr. was also a playmaker who could generate turnovers and score touchdowns. His ability to intercept passes, force fumbles, and return interceptions for touchdowns made him a valuable asset to his teams.
Consistent Excellence: Surtain Sr.'s two All-Pro selections showcase his consistency and longevity as a top performer. He maintained a high level of play throughout his career, earning the respect and recognition of his peers and the football community.

In conclusion, Patrick Surtain Sr.'s two NFL All-Pro selections are a testament to his exceptional talent and contributions as a cornerback in the NFL. These selections highlight his elite performance, dominant coverage skills, playmaking ability, and consistent excellence, solidifying his status as one of the best cornerbacks of his generation.

FAQs on Patrick Surtain Sr. Stats

This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding Patrick Surtain Sr.'s impressive NFL career statistics, providing concise and informative answers to clarify any misconceptions or provide additional insights.

Question 1: How many tackles did Patrick Surtain Sr. record throughout his career?

Answer: Patrick Surtain Sr. recorded an impressive 653 tackles over the course of his 11-season NFL career, showcasing his consistent presence and ability to stop opposing ball carriers.

Question 2: How many interceptions did Surtain Sr. accumulate during his NFL career?

Answer: Surtain Sr. intercepted 34 passes during his NFL tenure, demonstrating his exceptional ball-hawking skills and ability to create turnovers for his teams.

Question 3: How many forced fumbles did Surtain Sr. contribute to his team's success?

Answer: Surtain Sr. forced 13 fumbles throughout his career, disrupting opposing offenses and creating opportunities for his team to recover the ball and gain possession.

Question 4: Did Surtain Sr. ever score defensive touchdowns during his NFL career?

Answer: Yes, Surtain Sr. returned 3 interceptions for touchdowns, highlighting his playmaking ability and knack for scoring.

Question 5: How many Pro Bowl selections did Surtain Sr. earn in recognition of his outstanding play?

Answer: Patrick Surtain Sr. was selected to three Pro Bowls, a testament to his consistent excellence and status as one of the top cornerbacks in the league during his playing days.

In summary, Patrick Surtain Sr.'s NFL career statistics showcase his exceptional talent and contributions as a cornerback. His impressive tackle count, interceptions, forced fumbles, defensive touchdowns, and Pro Bowl selections solidify his status as one of the greatest cornerbacks of his generation.

Transition to the next article section: To delve deeper into Surtain Sr.'s playing style and impact on the game, explore the subsequent sections of this article.

Conclusion

Patrick Surtain Sr. stands as a legendary figure in the realm of NFL cornerbacks, with his impressive stats serving as a testament to his exceptional talent and contributions to the game. His ability to consistently make tackles, intercept passes, force fumbles, score defensive touchdowns, and earn Pro Bowl selections highlights his dominance at the cornerback position.

Surtain Sr.'s impact extended beyond his individual accolades. His presence on the field instilled fear in opposing offenses, as they knew they faced a formidable challenge in trying to exploit his coverage. His leadership and mentorship also played a vital role in the success of his teams, as he shared his knowledge and experience with younger players, helping them develop into top-notch cornerbacks.

As we reflect on Patrick Surtain Sr.'s illustrious career, it is evident that he left an indelible mark on the NFL. His exceptional stats, coupled with his exceptional playmaking ability and leadership, solidify his status as one of the greatest cornerbacks of all time.