Denver, known for its focus on quarterbacks, has seen many signal-callers struggle to step out from the shadows of Pro Football Hall of Famers John Elway and Peyton Manning.
Since Elway’s retirement as a two-time champion in 1999, the Broncos have cycled through 10 quarterbacks over 12 seasons. They didn’t return to the Super Bowl until Elway moved to the front office and brought Manning to Denver for the latter part of his distinguished career.
Like Elway, Manning retired as a champion, leaving the game a month after the Broncos won Super Bowl 50 in the 2015 season.
When rookie Bo Nix takes his first snap at Lumen Field in Seattle on Sunday, he will become the 14th different starting quarterback for the Broncos since Manning last played.
This long list of quarterbacks includes running back Phillip Lindsay, who started a game in the Wildcat formation when all four of Denver’s quarterbacks were unavailable due to violating NFL pandemic protocols in 2020.
It also includes nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson, whose exit after two disappointing seasons left the Broncos with a record $85 million in dead cap charges through 2025 and responsible for almost all of his $39 million salary with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, except for $1.21 million.
Only two of these quarterbacks—Trevor Siemian (13-11) and Brett Rypien (2-1)—had winning records, and the group had a 52-79 record in total following four seasons where Manning went 50-15, including playoffs.
Wilson ended his time in Denver as a backup to Jarrett Stidham and was traded in the offseason when the Broncos brought in Zach Wilson and drafted Nix with the 12th pick in the NFL draft.
The former quarterbacks both showed support for Nix but had very different reactions to him getting the starting role.
“I’m excited to see what he can do, and I think he’s ready for it,” said Zach Wilson.
“Obviously, I was very disappointed,” said Stidham, who has also been a backup to Tom Brady, Derek Carr, and Russell Wilson. “I know I’m a starting quarterback in this league. I have no doubts about that, and it just didn’t work out for me.”
Right now, Stidham is at the end of the long list of quarterbacks who haven’t managed to keep their starting position in Denver, which has been stuck in an eight-year playoff drought.
Last month, the franchise’s two legendary quarterbacks took part in the pro-am at the BMW Championship at Castle Pines Golf Club and both praised Nix, suggesting that the quarterback, who started an NCAA-record 61 games, might finally be the one to lead the Broncos back to the playoffs.
“You knew his experience, his maturity would be an advantage for him and he’s picked up the system quickly, you can tell,” Manning said.
“Bo’s tremendously talented,” said Elway. “He’s played a lot of college football. So, he’s ahead of the curve when it comes to that.
And I think Sean Payton will be great for him. The offensive system that they’re going to run, they’ll be able to protect him, they’re pretty good on the offensive line, they’ll be able to run.”
Elway, the first overall draft pick in 1983, went 1 for 8 with four sacks and an interception before being benched in his pro debut against Pittsburgh. Manning, the first overall pick in 1999, set an NFL rookie record with 28 interceptions a quarter-century ago.
They know Nix will face some challenges, but they believe both he and the Broncos will grow from these experiences in the end.
“I know what it’s like to start as a rookie in your first NFL game, but he’ll be ready and I’ll be rooting for him,” Manning said, adding, “I’m a fan of playing right away. Getting that experience will only help him improve.”
“Bo’s a mature guy, so it will be interesting to see them working together,” Elway said. “I think Sean knows how to develop quarterbacks and will keep him in good situations, not putting too much pressure on him and helping him get better each week.”
Nix led the Broncos on six scoring drives in seven preseason possessions, but now he faces the real challenge with opponents trying to disrupt him.
“Bo’s going to experience that,” Elway said. “The jump from preseason to regular season is significant. I’m sure he’ll manage it well. He’ll have his ups and downs as a young player, which I experienced plenty of. But he has all the talent and mental strength to succeed.”
