Bo Nix is living up to the hype as he dazzles in his debut season with the Denver Broncos. Drafted as the 12th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the former Oregon Duck is proving to be quite the gem. Stepping into the shoes of Denver’s rookie quarterback role, he’s not just meeting expectations—he’s exceeding them.
Denver’s head coach, Sean Payton, is brimming with confidence in his first-year quarterback. “He keeps telling anyone who’ll listen that he’s got the best rookie quarterback,” shared Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL on CBS. Payton clearly relishes watching Nix’s progress week by week, a testament to the dynamic coaching environment in Denver.
The impressive company Nix keeps includes none other than Broncos legend Peyton Manning. Nix and Manning now share a unique stat in NFL history, being the only rookie quarterbacks to rack up at least 200 passing yards and multiple touchdown passes across four straight home games.
Manning himself has high praise for Nix. “Bo’s in a terrific spot,” Manning noted. “With Sean’s system providing answers at quarterback, and all the experience Bo gained in college, it’s no wonder he’s flourishing. His rapport with the receivers keeps improving, and it shows.”
Manning’s era in Denver was a chapter of triumph, with him leading the Broncos to division titles every year from 2012 to 2015, culminating in a victorious Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. For Nix, the narrative is still being written. With a current 9-7 record, the Broncos hold their destiny in hand for a playoff berth, a feat they haven’t achieved since Manning’s era.
The stakes are high as Denver squares off against the Kansas City Chiefs, a game loaded with playoff implications. Win, and they’re in. Alternatively, a loss coupled with Miami and Cincinnati losses or ties could also punch their postseason ticket.
“I love the resolve and leadership of this team,” Payton remarked. “I’m confident we’ll rise to the occasion.”
Nix is nestled nicely in Denver, with robust support from both his coach and a legendary predecessor in Manning. Yet, his heart will also be with the Oregon Ducks as they face off in the Rose Bowl against Ohio State. “I’m constantly hearing how jealous he is,” says Oregon receiver Tez Johnson, Nix’s brother. “He’s the first to admit it. His dream was always the College Football Playoff.”
Johnson and Nix shared a memorable season with Oregon in 2023, ending with a commendable 12-2 record and a Fiesta Bowl victory, though they just missed out on their ultimate dream—a National Championship run.
“He’s pumped to watch us play,” Johnson expressed. “We’re all looking forward to him attending a game soon. It’s going to be amazing to have him back in the stands.”
As the Rose Bowl kicks off at 2 p.m. PT on New Year’s Day, there’s no doubt that Nix will be cheering on his alma mater, even as he carves his path to NFL glory.
