ENGLEWOOD — The Broncos have chosen team captains for the 2026 NFL season.

Safety Talanoa Hufanga, quarterback Bo Nix, defensive tackle D.J. Jones, safety Devon Key, kicker Wil Lutz, right guard Quinn Meinerz, inside linebacker Alex Singleton, cornerback Pat Surtain and wide receiver Courtland Sutton earned the distinction as voted on by teammates.

Eight of the nine players selected were also captains a year ago. Key is the newcomer after earning first-team All-Pro honors on special teams last season. Key is expected to compete for the third safety role on defense after P.J. Locke signed with the Cowboys in free agency.

“I feel like it was a surprise. Then I had a couple of guys come up to me afterward like: ‘I voted for you!’ I appreciate that,” Key told The Denver Gazette following practice Wednesday at Broncos Park. “I’m just thankful to get this opportunity to be a captain. There were eight last year and another eight again this year that were captains. So, I was the newbie. If I can just follow how they lead, and be there for the team, then I feel like I can fit that role pretty well.”

Sutton was voted as a team captain for a sixth consecutive season in Denver. Lutz, Meinerz, Nix, Singleton and Surtain earned the Broncos’ honor for a third straight time.

“It’s a special honor when your peers and teammates vote you to be one of the leaders of our team,” Nix said. “It’s a great responsibility, and with that comes a lot of opportunity. But also, it’s a big weight to carry. It’s not something to be thrown around lightly. My leadership style has evolved as I’ve gotten older because I’ve experienced more and understood what it’s like to essentially get someone to follow you.”

Sutton added: “There’s an immense amount of gratitude that comes from being named captain. To be able to have your peers and the guys that you share work with … to look at us and say: ‘We trust that you guys are going to help guide us in the right direction.’”

Jones and Hufanga are Broncos team captains for a second time.

“I think it’s just a recognition of how they’re seen by their peers,” coach Sean Payton said. “They all lead differently. There are a number of guys that are going to be significant leaders for us that aren’t wearing a patch. So, I think the first thing is just being authentic and being yourself.”

Briefly

Second-year outside linebacker Que Robinson joined teammates in expressing confidence that Denver will break the NFL’s all-time sacks record (72) this season. Robinson said: “We’re gunning for it. It’s not necessarily a cocky thing or not respecting our opponents. It’s all based off what we know we have on this team and our mindset.” … Practice squad safety Taylor Rapp “could” have an opportunity to play this season, according to Payton. He said: “(Rapp) is an experienced player who is real smart, savvy and has real good instincts.” … Ex-Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders cleared waivers with an injury designation. Sanders is eligible to return to Denver three weeks after the length of his unknown injury settlement. … The Broncos will wear all-white jerseys, pants and helmets for their uniforms Monday night at the Chiefs. … All Broncos on the 53-man roster were present at Wednesday practice. Payton declined to discuss specific player health or expected snap counts against the Chiefs.