ENGLEWOOD — Pat Surtain is rocking the Jumpman logo this season.

The Broncos cornerback and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year recently added a new professional title: Jordan Brand ambassador.

The athletic apparel and shoe company, produced by Nike, is the brand of basketball legend Michael Jordan. Last week, the six-time NBA champion hosted an event in Greece — called the “Board of Greatness” — with dozens of Jordan Brand ambassadors in attendance.

Surtain took a selfie with Jordan and posted it on his Instagram story.

“I’m pretty excited. It was a cool experience meeting M.J. himself. It was pretty dope,” Surtain said on Tuesday at Broncos Park as veterans reported to training camp. “I feel like that whole brand, what they have in order, is a very close group and the brand (has) a family-first aspect. I’m glad to be a part of the Jordan brand. I’m looking forward to it.”

Broncos coach Sean Payton is also a Jordan Brand ambassador. Payton wears Jordan shoes at practices.

“We’re going to be competing on the field, even though I know he has the exclusive (shoes) already,” Surtain said. “I still have some catching up to do.”

Entering training camp, Broncos try to temper expectations at least a little bit

Strief impact

The Broncos’ offensive line dominated a year ago. The group finished ranked No. 1 in run block win rate (75%) and No. 1 in pass block win rate (74%), according to ESPN.

Zach Strief is a big piece of that success. Strief, previously the offensive line coach for two seasons, was promoted to offensive run game coordinator/assistant head coach in 2025.

“Zach has been unbelievable for our group,” right tackle Mike McGlinchey said. “Zach retired a year before I got into the NFL. … He was in our shoes, and he was (coach) Sean Payton’s offensive lineman. He understands what the expectation is for our group and for us as an individual. His ability to communicate the techniques and his ability to instill belief in his players is so valuable for us.

“I think I speak for the entire room when (I say) we wouldn’t want to play for anybody else.”

NFLPA drama

The NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA) will have new union leadership after executive director Lloyd Howell and chief strategy officer J.C. Tretter both resigned.

It stems from multiple NFLPA scandals over the past several weeks. They allegedly hid information from members related to grievances filed with the league. Howell reportedly expensed multiple strip club trips using NFLPA funds.

The NFLPA released a statement on Tuesday: The NFLPA Executive Committee and Board of Player Representatives are in the process of selecting an interim executive director. In recent days, the Board passed a resolution in accordance with the NFLPA Constitution to allow for the eventual vote of such an interim leader and agreed to processes and terms to select a candidate. We are conducting ongoing due diligence and will hold a vote in the near future as soon as that process is complete.

“I think it’s very important to represent the players in this role,” Surtain said about the NFLPA. “I feel like the players’ voices are very crucial from that standpoint. … We know what needs to be changed. So, I think it’s pretty evident that the players, allowing their voices to be heard, is very important.”

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Jewell released

The Panthers released Josey Jewell on Tuesday as the veteran inside linebacker deals with ongoing concussion symptoms.

Jewell, 30, was drafted in the fourth round by the Broncos in 2018. He played six seasons in Denver before signing with the Panthers in free agency. Jewell started 12 games with Carolina last year. He missed the final two games with a concussion.

Jewell could return to the Panthers at some point in the future if his recovery goes well, according to the team’s website.