Nik Bonitto Pursues Broncos Sack Record Amidst Strong Defense

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Nik Bonitto, the Denver Broncos outside linebacker, has set a lofty goal for the 2025 NFL season. After an impressive breakout year in 2024 that saw him record 13.5 sacks, Bonitto is now aiming to surpass that number and potentially break the Broncos’ single-season sack record of 18.5, set by Von Miller in 2012.

“I want to get more than 13 and a half for sure,” Bonitto told The Denver Gazette. He confidently added, “Very reasonable. As long as I remain healthy, I feel I have the confidence in myself to go do it.”

Throughout the first three games of the season, Bonitto has already tallied three sacks, contributing to the Broncos’ NFL-leading total of 12. His strong performance comes as the team prepares for a challenging matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“It’s good,” Bonitto said of his early success. “I still feel like I could be a little bit better. I missed out on some opportunities to make even more plays.”

The quest for 20 sacks in a season, achieved only 13 times since 1982, poses a formidable challenge, one Bonitto acknowledges. “I would definitely want to get as many sacks as I can, but 20, that’s going to be some work behind that one,” he explained after a recent practice at Broncos Park.

Bonitto’s past season of 13.5 sacks ties him for the sixth-most in franchise history. With the NFL’s expanded 17-game schedule, he has additional opportunities to pursue the record. Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad believes Bonitto has the potential to achieve it: “The sky’s the limit for someone like Nik. He could have as many sacks as anybody in the NFL.”

Defensive lineman Zach Allen praised Bonitto’s quickness off the line, stating, “It’s insane how fast he gets off the line.” Bonitto himself attributes part of his success to studying opponents and being ready to react quickly to the snap count.

Bonitto’s rising profile has also led to a marketing deal with Nike, hinting at possible commercial appearances in the future. But for now, his focus remains on the field as he prepares to face Bengals quarterback Jake Browning, who is stepping in for the sidelined Joe Burrow.

If Bonitto continues his pace, he could challenge Miller’s team record by season’s end, making his pursuit of greatness one of the season’s most compelling narratives.