Bo Nix, a rookie quarterback, has been named the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos by head coach Sean Payton. This decision places Nix in the same category as the legendary John Elway, who was the last rookie to start a regular-season opener for the Broncos in 1983.
Nix will take the field for his first regular-season game on September 8th against the Seattle Seahawks. Nix expressed his excitement about being compared to Elway but emphasized his focus on competing at a high level and leading his team to victory.
Coach Payton made the announcement to Nix and fellow quarterback Jarrett Stidham in a straightforward manner, without much fanfare, before a practice session. Payton mentioned that while Nix has shown great potential, there is still a lot of room for growth.
Nix’s performance in the preseason, where he led successful drives in almost every possession, helped solidify his position as the starter. Nix had been taking most of the first-team snaps recently, especially during joint practices with the Green Bay Packers, which further demonstrated his readiness.
Nix’s strong preseason performance, including an 8-of-9 passing game for 80 yards and a touchdown against the Packers, contributed to Payton’s decision. Nix had been competing closely with Stidham and Zach Wilson throughout the offseason and training camp, with all three quarterbacks sharing time with the starting offense.
However, Nix’s consistent performance in practice and games led to him receiving the majority of first-team snaps, setting him apart as the leading candidate for the starting role.
Nix was selected as the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted quarterback for the Broncos since Jay Cutler in 2006. His selection and promotion to starter come at a crucial time for the Broncos, who have struggled to find a stable quarterback since their Super Bowl 50 win.
Nix’s debut marks the 13th different quarterback to start for the Broncos since that victory. The team’s recent history, including the benching and release of Russell Wilson, highlights the importance of finding a long-term solution at the quarterback position, which the Broncos hope Nix will provide.
Sean Payton has praised Nix for his maturity, decision-making, and composure, traits that have been evident throughout his college career at Auburn and Oregon. Nix’s journey to becoming the Broncos’ starter included extensive preparation, including working with former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers.
As Nix prepares to lead the Broncos into the new season, he will be closely watched as the team aims to break its eight-season playoff drought. Nix’s success could be pivotal in turning around the fortunes of a franchise that has struggled in recent years.
