Denver Broncos Star Player Among Passengers on American Airlines Flight Forced to Evacuate After Emergency Landing: ‘I Thought I Was Done
A terrifying incident unfolded Thursday evening at Denver International Airport when an American Airlines flight carrying 178 passengers was forced to make an emergency landing, reportedly catching fire shortly after touching down. Among the passengers onboard was Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who found himself in a life-threatening situation. The 23-year-old defensive star, known for his impressive performances on the field, shared harrowing details of the moment, describing how he thought he might not make it out alive.
As flames engulfed the aircraft, panic quickly spread through the cabin. Passengers, including Surtain, were instructed to evacuate via the plane’s emergency exits, many having to climb out onto the wings for safety. While Surtain and the other passengers were able to escape unharmed, the frightening ordeal has left an indelible mark on the Broncos star, who admits that he feared the worst.
In his first public comments following the incident, Surtain revealed the full extent of the fear and chaos that gripped him during the emergency landing. “It was the scariest moment of my life,” he admitted. “I never thought I’d find myself in that kind of situation. You hear about things like this happening to other people, but you never think it’ll happen to you. I really thought I was done.”
The aircraft, a Boeing 737, had been en route to Denver from another city when it encountered a mechanical issue, forcing the emergency landing. Once the plane touched down, smoke began to fill the cabin, and the flight crew quickly activated emergency protocols. Surtain recalled how the crew remained calm and helped guide passengers to safety.
“The flight attendants were amazing,” he said. “They stayed calm, and that helped everyone else stay calm. But when we had to leave the plane, that’s when the reality hit. The smoke was thick, and the flames were getting closer. I just remember thinking, ‘Get out as fast as you can.’”
Surtain described how the passengers were forced to evacuate quickly through the emergency exits, but with the intense heat and smoke, the process became more difficult. In a desperate move, many people, including Surtain, had to crawl out onto the wing of the plane to avoid the growing danger inside. “It was chaotic, but everyone was focused on getting to safety,” he recalled. “I didn’t have time to think about anything else. I just knew I had to get out.”
Miraculously, there were no reports of serious injuries, though a few passengers were treated for minor smoke inhalation. The fire was quickly contained by airport emergency crews, and the plane was evacuated safely. For Surtain, the ordeal marked a life-changing moment, one that has given him a renewed perspective on what truly matters.
While his teammates and Broncos fans have rallied behind him in support, Surtain has openly acknowledged that the traumatic experience has made him rethink his approach to life and his career. “When something like this happens, it makes you realize how fragile life is. I’m so grateful to be here right now,” Surtain said. “Football is important to me, but at the end of the day, life is the most precious thing. This experience put everything into perspective.”
Surtain, who has established himself as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, was looking forward to a pivotal season with the Broncos. Known for his shutdown defense, Surtain had been preparing for another strong campaign, but the near-death experience has shifted his focus. “I’ll be ready to go when the season starts,” he said, “but right now, I’m taking it day by day. I’m focused on my health and being thankful for every opportunity.”
In the wake of the incident, Surtain has garnered support from fans, fellow athletes, and his team. Broncos head coach Sean Payton expressed relief that Surtain and the other passengers were unharmed, saying, “Patrick is a tremendous player, but more importantly, he’s a great person. We’re all thankful he’s okay, and we’ll support him however we can.”
As Surtain reflects on the life-threatening experience, it’s clear that the incident will have a lasting impact on his life. Though he remains focused on his career, he now approaches the game—and life itself—with a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation. His near-death experience is a reminder to all of us how quickly things can change, and how important it is to cherish every moment.