For the first time since Peyton Manning retired, Denver believes it has found the answer at quarterback.
Good morning, Broncos Country!
When Bo Nix was selected with the No. 12 pick, no one knew what to expect.
We all wanted to “Bolieve.”
There was cautious optimism that the rookie quarterback from Oregon would become “the guy” for the Denver Broncos. But there was no way to know for sure. And with all of the misses in free agency and even the NFL Draft at quarterback, there may have been some doubt.
The marriage of Sean Payton and his system with Nix and his style of play gave reason for even more hope.
Now that the 2025 season is over, it’s safe to say the Broncos have their franchise quarterback. They snagged a spot in the AFC Playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50. And they had a double-digit win season for the first time since 2015. In large part because of the play of Nix.
Then there’s the stats that put Nix in the history books:
- 376-of-567 passing for 3,775 yards passing for 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
- 92 carries for 430 yards rushing for four touchdowns.
- 1 reception for 2 yards and a touchdown.
Nix’s 34 total touchdowns puts him third all-time for a rookie quarterback behind Justin Herbert (36) and Cam Newtown (35).
Nix’s 29 passing touchdowns are second all-time for a rookie QB behind Herbert’s 31.
Don’t forget that Nix was also named a team captain as a rookie.
As head coach Sean Payton told the media this week:
“I’m real encouraged, and I’m glad that he’s with us and that it worked out the way it did. I think it’s all in front of him. And I said this before, I think we found that player that can lead us and be what we need relative to having the success we’re used to having. I think we found it.”
Added Denver general manager George Paton:
“We’re fortunate. We think we have our guy in Bo.”
The franchise’s belief that it has found its answer at quarterback sets it up for the offseason— and an important one at that — to help the Broncos take the next step.
“I was incredibly impressed with Bo, both on and off the field,” Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner said to the media this week. “It never seemed like any moment was too big for him. We had some big moments this year. He battled throughout games. (I) never saw him give up or let up, even when things weren’t going our way. I think he’s got all the physical traits that you need to be a great quarterback. Mentally, he’s sharp. The players respond to him. His teammates love him. In terms of the offseason, he’s an incredibly hard worker and loves studying tape, loves being in the gym. I think that will serve him well this offseason as he builds for the future, and I know he’s going to be better next year.”
The approach that Nix possesses will allow Denver to take the next step toward contention in the AFC West and the AFC next season. Despite the wins, the stats, and the playoff berth, he isn’t satisfied with how the season ended. Nix knows he must improve for the Broncos to reach their goals.
But the first step was finally getting that franchise quarterback.
“I feel like he has that ‘it’ factor,” Paton said to the media. “(The) things he needs to work on, the coaches will get with him. He knows he has a lot to work on to get to where he wants to be. That’s his mindset.”
Added Payton:
“His aspirations for himself and for his team have to be higher than anyone else’s. And I think that’s the case.”
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