Denver Broncos special teams ace Devon Key had a career year in 2025, setting a new franchise record for special teams tackles with 26, according to stats from the club.
Key was named as a Pro Bowl alternate for special teams due to his blocking and tackling prowess. Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi advocated for Key’s admittance to the NFL’s all-star game prior to the close of Pro Bowl voting.
“Just watch the film,” Rizzi said in December. “This guy’s been as productive of a special teams player this year in 2025 as there is in the league. I think that the reason he should be the [AFC special teams] representative is, I think people probably just look at the tackle stat, which he leads in the league. But all the other things that he does, he probably is an unsung hero in the return game.”
Key was also just named an AP first-team All-Pro, an honor well-deserved after his big year. Key received 23 first-place votes (the next-closest players received six).
Key also stepped up when Broncos backup safety P.J. Locke went down with an injury in Week 18. “I just went out there and you have to be next man up,” Key said postgame. “Praying for P.J., hopefully he recovers and is back for the first game of the playoffs. I’m so thankful that the coaches trust me enough to put me out there.”
Key was eager for the chance to show his special teams ability could translate to the defensive side of the ball. “I definitely go into every game with that hunger, just knowing that if I get my chance, I’m going to make the team proud.”
Key could be the other safety in the Denver defensive backfield come the divisional round of the playoffs, if Locke is not healthy, alongside Talanoa Hufanga. Denver will host the lowest advancing seed from the AFC on either Jan. 17 or Jan. 18.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Unsung hero sets franchise record on special teams
