Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Patrick Surtain

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Patrick Surtain made an impact.

Patrick Surtain Sr. is a former NFL cornerback who played for 11 seasons, primarily with the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs. He played college football at Southern Miss before being drafted in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft. Currently, he serves as the defensive backs coach for Florida State University, a role he has held since 2023. His career highlights include a successful run as a professional football player before transitioning into coaching.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 22, 1998: Signed a rookie contract with the Miami Dolphins

On July 22, 1998, Patrick Surtain signed a four-year, $2.40 million rookie contract with the Miami Dolphins, which included an $800,000 signing bonus.

September 6, 1998: Made professional debut in NFL

On September 6, 1998, Patrick Surtain made his professional regular season debut in the Miami Dolphins' season-opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

1998: Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 1998 NFL draft

In 1998, Patrick Surtain was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the second round (44th overall) of the NFL draft.

1998: Selected in the 1998 NFL draft

In 1998, Patrick Surtain was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the second round as the 44th overall pick during the NFL draft.

October 17, 1999: First Career Start

On October 17, 1999, Patrick Surtain earned his first career start for the Miami Dolphins. During the game, he intercepted a pass by Drew Bledsoe.

1999: Promotion of Dave Wannstedt to Head Coach

Following the 1999 NFL season, Dave Wannstedt was promoted to head coach of the Miami Dolphins after Jimmy Johnson retired from coaching.

1999: Miami Dolphins finished the 1999 NFL season earning a Wild-Card berth

In 1999, The Miami Dolphins finished the NFL season third in the AFC East with a 9–7 record to earn a Wild-Card berth.

January 9, 2000: Started in first playoff game

On January 9, 2000, Patrick Surtain started in the first playoff game of his career during the AFC Wild-Card Game against the Seattle Seahawks.

January 15, 2000: Played in the Divisional Round against the Jacksonville Jaguars

On January 15, 2000, Patrick Surtain had eight solo tackles in the Dolphins' loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Divisional Round.

September 3, 2000: Started in the Miami Dolphins' home-opener

On September 3, 2000, Patrick Surtain started in the Miami Dolphins' home-opener against the Detroit Lions, intercepting a pass by Jon Kitna.

December 17, 2000: Set a season-high with 11 combined tackles

On December 17, 2000, Patrick Surtain set a season-high with 11 combined tackles (eight solo), made three pass deflections, and had a forced fumble during a loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

March 8, 2001: Signed a contract extension with the Miami Dolphins

On March 8, 2001, Patrick Surtain signed a seven-year, $27.71 million contract extension with the Miami Dolphins.

November 4, 2001: First career touchdown

On November 4, 2001, Patrick Surtain made two solo tackles and intercepted a pass thrown by Chris Weinke. He returned it 29–yards for his first career touchdown.

December 30, 2001: Set a season-high with two interceptions

On December 30, 2001, Patrick Surtain set a season-high with two interceptions on passes thrown by Michael Vick.

2001: Returned as the No. 2 starting cornerback

In 2001, Patrick Surtain returned as the No. 2 starting cornerback alongside Sam Madison. He was chosen over Jamar Fletcher and Ben Kelly.

October 13, 2002: Pick-six against the Denver Broncos

On October 13, 2002, Patrick Surtain had a pick-six after intercepting a pass thrown by Brian Griese and returning it for a 40–yard touchdown.

December 15, 2002: Sealed victory against the Oakland Raiders

On December 15, 2002, Patrick Surtain sealed the Dolphins' victory against the Oakland Raiders by intercepting a pass by Rich Gannon.

October 5, 2003: Two interceptions against the New York Giants

On October 5, 2003, Patrick Surtain made three combined tackles and had two interceptions on passes by Kerry Collins.

November 27, 2003: Career-high seventh interception of the season

On November 27, 2003, Patrick Surtain made a career-high with his seventh interception of the season on a pass by Quincy Carter.

November 9, 2004: Resignation of Head Coach Dave Wannstedt

On November 9, 2004, head coach Dave Wannstedt resigned after the Dolphins began the season with a 1-8 record, and defensive coordinator Jim Bates was appointed interim head coach.

February 1, 2005: Surtain to seek a trade

On February 1, 2005, it was reported that the Miami Dolphins' General Manager Rick Spielman had agreed to allow Surtain to seek a trade.

April 15, 2005: Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs

On April 15, 2005, the Miami Dolphins traded Patrick Surtain to the Kansas City Chiefs.

April 21, 2005: Agreed to a contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs

On April 21, 2005, it was reported that the Kansas City Chiefs had agreed to sign Patrick Surtain to a seven-year, $50.80 million contract extension.

September 11, 2005: Started in the Kansas City Chiefs' home-opener

On September 11, 2005, Patrick Surtain started in the Kansas City Chiefs' home-opener against the New York Jets, intercepting a pass by Chad Pennington.

October 29, 2006: Made one solo tackle during the game

On October 29, 2006, Patrick Surtain made one solo tackle, one pass deflection, and had his lone interception of the season during a game against the Seattle Seahawks.

2007: 2007 NFL Season

In 2007, Patrick Surtain returned as the No. 2 starting cornerback alongside Ty Law to begin the NFL season. He had 58 combined tackles (50 solo), six pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games.

December 14, 2008: Last Career Interception

On December 14, 2008, Patrick Surtain made two solo tackles, one pass deflection, and had his last career interception on a pass by Philip Rivers to wide receiver Chris Chambers during a 21–32 loss against the San Diego Chargers.

February 24, 2009: Release from the Kansas City Chiefs

On February 24, 2009, the Kansas City Chiefs officially released Patrick Surtain. This release saved the Chiefs $6.20 million of cap space in 2009. He finished his career with the team with 192 tackles, one sack, and eight interceptions in 55 games.

2009: Final Season

In 2009, Patrick Surtain finished his last season with the Kansas City Chiefs with only 11 solo tackles, three pass deflections, and one interception in eight games and two starts.