Broncos QB Zach Wilson Emerges as No. 1 Best Player of the Year
In a surprising turn of events, Zach Wilson, the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, has been named the No. 1 Best Player of the Year in the National Football League (NFL). The honor, typically reserved for the league’s elite players, was awarded to Wilson after an extraordinary season that saw him rise from a controversial draft pick to becoming the cornerstone of the Broncos’ resurgence in the 2025 season.
For those unfamiliar with Wilson’s journey, his rise to the top of the NFL was anything but conventional. Initially drafted by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft, Wilson’s early years in the league were filled with setbacks, injuries, and inconsistency. Many experts and fans had written him off as a bust, especially after his underwhelming performances during his time in New York. However, it was his move to the Denver Broncos in the 2024 offseason that marked a turning point in his career.
This news comes at a time when the NFL is in the midst of evaluating its most outstanding players, with the annual awards approaching. Zach Wilson’s recognition as the No. 1 player of the year highlights his remarkable turnaround and the impressive strides he made in his game, both as a leader and on the field. Let’s delve deeper into what made Wilson the standout player in 2025, how he got to this point, and what this means for the future of the Denver Broncos.
The Road to Redemption: Zach Wilson’s Journey to Denver
Zach Wilson’s NFL career didn’t start the way anyone had hoped. A standout at BYU, Wilson was lauded for his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make plays off-script. The Jets, in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, selected Wilson as the second overall pick in the 2021 draft. Expectations were sky-high, but Wilson struggled immediately in the NFL.
In his first season with the Jets, he displayed flashes of talent, but those moments were often overshadowed by inconsistent performances, turnovers, and injuries. His struggles were compounded by the Jets’ inability to build a competent offensive line and lack of reliable weapons at wide receiver. Despite all these challenges, Wilson finished his rookie year with 2,334 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, far below the standard set by other rookie quarterbacks drafted in the same class.
2022 didn’t bring much improvement. Wilson was benched during the season in favor of veteran quarterbacks, further questioning his future in the NFL. However, the 2023 season was different. Wilson was given another chance to prove himself as the starter, but the Jets, once again, failed to build a competitive team around him. At the end of the season, rumors swirled that Wilson would be traded.
Enter the Denver Broncos, a team looking to rebuild after a disappointing period of mediocrity following the retirement of Peyton Manning. The Broncos were eager to make a splash, and they believed Wilson still had the potential to become a franchise quarterback. In March 2024, the Broncos traded for Zach Wilson, giving him a fresh start in a new system with a new team.
Wilson’s fresh start in Denver would prove to be the catalyst for the most successful chapter of his career.
A New Beginning with the Denver Broncos
When Zach Wilson arrived in Denver, many skeptics questioned whether he could live up to the hype. After all, he was joining a Broncos team that had struggled mightily at the quarterback position in recent years. Denver’s offense had been inconsistent, and the team needed a leader who could guide them back to playoff contention.
Head coach Sean Payton and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi had no intention of letting Wilson’s struggles follow him to Denver. They immediately went to work, tailoring the offense to his strengths and working closely with him to improve his decision-making and footwork. Payton, known for his ability to elevate quarterbacks, believed that Wilson could succeed in his system with the right support.
Wilson, who had often been criticized for trying to make too many risky plays, quickly embraced a more disciplined approach to the game. He worked tirelessly on his mechanics and learned to read defenses more effectively. Payton also introduced a power running game that helped take some pressure off Wilson early in the season, allowing him to ease into his new role.
The Broncos’ offense, under Wilson’s leadership, started to click. Wilson was finding success with the short-to-intermediate passing game, an area that had been a struggle for him in the past. His ability to connect with rising stars like wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and tight end Greg Dulcich gave the Broncos’ passing game new life. Wilson’s deep ball accuracy, which had been a point of criticism earlier in his career, showed noticeable improvement, leading to more explosive plays down the field.
The Broncos’ defense, always a strong unit, helped keep the team in games, and Wilson’s efficiency allowed Denver to remain competitive throughout the season. It wasn’t just his physical play that made a difference, but his leadership and maturity began to shine as well. He showed a new level of poise, no longer the brash rookie trying to make every play but instead the composed leader of the team.
By the end of the 2025 regular season, Wilson had not only silenced his critics but had transformed into one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks. His stats were nothing short of remarkable: 4,758 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions. His quarterback rating of 112.4 led the league, and the Broncos finished with a 12-5 record, securing a playoff spot and even winning the AFC West division for the first time since 2015.
The Key Moments of Wilson’s 2025 Season
There were several key moments in Zach Wilson’s 2025 season that solidified his claim as the No. 1 player of the year. One of the most memorable games was against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12, where Wilson led the Broncos to a dramatic 31-28 victory. Trailing by 10 points in the fourth quarter, Wilson orchestrated a brilliant comeback, throwing for 375 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a game-winning 40-yard strike to Jerry Jeudy with only 30 seconds left on the clock.
Another key moment came in Week 16, where Wilson faced off against the Buffalo Bills in a game that would decide the top seed in the AFC. Wilson threw for 330 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 35-27 victory, further cementing his status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
One of the most telling signs of Wilson’s growth came in his ability to perform under pressure. In games where the Broncos were behind, Wilson displayed an uncanny ability to lead the team back to victory. His calm demeanor, combined with his growing football IQ, allowed him to make critical decisions late in games.
Additionally, Wilson’s connection with his teammates grew throughout the season. His chemistry with wide receivers like Jeudy and Courtland Sutton was on full display, and his bond with the offensive line, which had been a weakness in his past, had improved dramatically. For the first time in his career, Wilson had become a true leader in the locker room.
The Impact of Wilson’s Success on the Broncos
Zach Wilson’s success has had a profound impact on the Denver Broncos. The team, once seen as a rebuilding project, now has the makings of a Super Bowl contender. Wilson’s stellar play has elevated the entire roster, and the Broncos have become one of the most complete teams in the NFL.
The offense, with Wilson at the helm, now has the balance and explosiveness it had been lacking for years. The running game, led by Javonte Williams, has flourished, as Wilson’s ability to keep defenses honest with the passing game has opened up lanes for the running back. Defensively, the Broncos are as formidable as ever, and they’ve become one of the most well-rounded teams in the league.
Wilson’s transformation has breathed new life into the Broncos’ fan base, and optimism is higher than it has been in years. Fans who once feared the worst now have renewed hope that their team can return to its former glory and make a deep playoff run.
The Future of Zach Wilson and the Denver Broncos
As the 2025 NFL season progresses, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Zach Wilson can maintain his high level of play and lead the Broncos to their first Super Bowl victory since 2015. With Wilson now firmly established as the team’s leader, it’s clear that the Broncos have a bright future ahead.
The Broncos’ front office is expected to continue building around Wilson, adding more pieces to the roster, especially in the receiving corps and along the offensive line. With Wilson under center, the Broncos have the foundation they need to contend for championships for years to come.
Zach Wilson’s story is one of redemption and perseverance. After facing criticism and doubts, he has emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. His rise to the top is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and dedication to improving his game. For the Denver Broncos, Wilson’s success is the spark that could ignite a new era of dominance in the NFL.
As the season continues, all eyes will be on Wilson as he looks to lead the Broncos to new heights. If he can maintain his form and continue to elevate his play, there’s no telling how high he and his team can soar. The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in recent history, and Zach Wilson is at the center of it all.
In an NFL full of talented quarterbacks, one thing is clear: Zach Wilson is the No. 1 player of the year.
