Nik Bonitto's Leadership Shines for the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, leadership often comes from veteran superstars or franchise quarterbacks—but for the Denver Broncos, one of their most impactful leaders is a young edge rusher still early in his career: Nik Bonitto. Since being drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Bonitto has grown from a promising rookie to a vocal and action-driven leader, using his work ethic, competitiveness, and care for teammates to lift the Broncos’ defense and inspire those around him. His leadership isn’t about loud speeches or grand gestures; it’s about showing up, setting an example, and stepping up when the team needs him most. Nik Bonitto's Leadership Shines for the Denver Broncos explores how this young player has become a cornerstone of the team’s culture, turning potential into influence and helping shape the Broncos’ future.

Nik Bonitto's Leadership Shines for the Denver Broncos begins with his ability to lead by example on the field—a trait that has made him a trusted presence in the Broncos’ defense, even as a third-year player. In the 2023 Week 14 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Broncos trailed 17–14 in the fourth quarter with just over two minutes left, and the Chargers were driving to extend their lead. Bonitto, who had already recorded a sack earlier in the game, lined up at edge rusher and recognized the Chargers’ offensive playcall—a quick pass to the tight end. He fought through a block, hurried quarterback Justin Herbert, and forced an incomplete pass, stopping the drive and giving the Broncos the ball back. The Broncos went on to score a game-winning touchdown, and after the game, teammates pointed to Bonitto’s play as the turning point. “Nik doesn’t wait for someone else to make a play—he takes it upon himself,” said Broncos linebacker Josey Jewell. “When he’s out there fighting like that, it makes everyone else want to match his intensity. That’s leadership.” Bonitto’s on-field leadership goes beyond big plays, too: he’s the first to pick up a teammate after a missed tackle, the first to celebrate a teammate’s sack, and the first to demand more effort from the defense when things aren’t going well.

A defining part of Bonitto’s leadership is his commitment to mentoring young teammates—a role he embraced early in his career to help build the Broncos’ defensive depth. When the Broncos drafted edge rusher Thomas Incoom in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Bonitto took the rookie under his wing, inviting him to extra film sessions, running pass-rush drills with him after practice, and sharing tips on how to adjust to the NFL’s speed. Incoom struggled in the preseason, failing to record a sack in his first three games, but Bonitto stayed with him, breaking down his reps and encouraging him to stay patient. In the final preseason game, Incoom recorded two sacks, and he credited Bonitto for his growth. “Nik didn’t have to spend time with me—he’s a starter, and he has his own things to work on,” Incoom said. “But he told me, ‘We’re in this together. Your success is the team’s success.’ That meant everything to me.” Bonitto’s mentorship isn’t limited to rookies, either: he works with second-year defensive tackle Eyioma Uwazurike on hand placement and helps veteran Zach Allen refine his pass-rush moves. For the Broncos, this culture of mutual improvement—driven by Bonitto—has turned the defense into a cohesive unit where everyone pushes each other to get better.

A key way Nik Bonitto's Leadership Shines for the Denver Broncos is his role in fostering accountability within the defense—a quality that has helped the Denver Broncos fix past issues of inconsistency. After a disappointing 2022 season where the Broncos’ defense ranked 22nd in points allowed, Bonitto took it upon himself to organize weekly “accountability meetings” with the defensive unit. These meetings, held every Wednesday during the season, give players a chance to speak openly: to apologize for mistakes, to praise teammates, and to set goals for the upcoming game. In one meeting before the 2023 Week 6 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Bonitto called out the defense for giving up too many big plays in the previous game, then pledged to record at least one sack and force a turnover against the Chiefs. He delivered on both promises, and the Broncos won 24–21. “Those meetings changed our defense,” said Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “Nik didn’t wait for coaches to hold players accountable—he let the players lead it. That makes the accountability more real, more personal. When a teammate calls you out, you don’t want to let him down.” For the Denver Broncos, this accountability has translated to better on-field performance: in 2023, the defense ranked 12th in points allowed, a 10-spot jump from the previous year, and Bonitto’s leadership was a big reason why.

Another aspect of Bonitto’s leadership that shines for the Broncos is his dedication to the community—a way he represents the Denver Broncos off the field and builds connections with fans. Bonitto is a regular participant in the Broncos’ community outreach programs, including visits to children’s hospitals, youth football clinics, and food drives for families in need. In 2023, he launched the “Bonitto’s Buddies” program, which invites 10 children from underserved communities to every Broncos home game, giving them a chance to meet players, tour the locker room, and watch the game from the stands. After one game, a 9-year-old boy named Miles, who was battling cancer, told Bonitto he wanted to be a football player when he grew up. Bonitto gave Miles his game-worn gloves and promised to keep in touch, sending him videos of encouragement throughout the season. “Football is a platform, and I want to use it to make a difference,” Bonitto said. “These kids look up to us, and we have a responsibility to show them what hard work and kindness can do.” For the Denver Broncos, Bonitto’s community work isn’t just about public relations—it’s about living up to the team’s values and showing fans that players care about more than just winning games. It’s a form of leadership that builds trust and loyalty, turning casual fans into lifelong supporters.

Wrapping up Nik Bonitto's Leadership Shines for the Denver Broncos is the long-term impact his leadership will have on the team’s future—a legacy that positions the Denver Broncos to remain competitive for years to come. At just 24 years old, Bonitto has already established himself as a leader who can grow with the team. As the Broncos continue to build their roster—retaining core players like Zach Allen and Courtland Sutton, and drafting young talent—Bonitto’s leadership will be crucial in keeping the team’s culture strong. He’s the kind of player who can bridge the gap between veterans and rookies, who can keep the team focused during losing streaks, and who can celebrate wins with humility. Broncos general manager George Paton put it best: “Nik Bonitto is the kind of leader every team wants. He’s talented, he’s hardworking, and he cares about this franchise and his teammates. As he grows, our team will grow with him.” For the Denver Broncos, Bonitto’s leadership isn’t just a nice addition—it’s a necessity. In a league where teams come and go, where rosters change every year, strong leadership is the one constant that can keep a team competitive. And with Nik Bonitto leading the way, the Broncos have a bright future ahead. Nik Bonitto's Leadership Shines for the Denver Broncos ultimately shows that leadership isn’t about age or status—it’s about heart, effort, and the willingness to put the team first. And that’s exactly what Bonitto does, every single day.