As the Broncos so optimistically look ahead, it’s very much because they can look back on Nix’s rookie campaign with an ear-to-ear grin.
Not since Peyton Manning was under center for the franchise in the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 win had the team been in the playoffs. Nix, the 14th starter at QB since Manning for Denver, and Sean Payton, the fifth head coach since Gary Kubiak, to helm the squad since that Super Bowl triumph, have proved to be a splendid fit.
Nix completed 66.3% of his passes for 29 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and 3,775 yards. He also ran for 430 yards and four touchdowns (along with one TD catch) to total 34 offensive touchdowns — third-most in NFL history for a rookie.
“I’m really encouraged, and I’m glad that he’s with us and that it worked out the way it did,” Payton said. “I know this: He’s very conscientious. He comes in. He spends a lot of time here. He was here in my office for half an hour yesterday. I think it’s all in front of him. I’ve said this before — I think we’ve 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’ve found it.”
It was a unanimous sentiment on Wednesday.
The Broncos believe they’ve found the most important piece to in putting together the NFL puzzle.
The next steps are obvious: Improvement and supplying Nix with a supporting cast to be even more successful.
“I was incredibly impressed with Bo both on and off the field,” Penner said. “It never seemed like any moment was too big for him. We had some big moments this year. He battled throughout games and never saw him give up or let up, even when things were not going our way. He’s got all the physical traits that you need to be a great quarterback. Mentally, he is 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, being in the gym and that will serve him well this offseason as he builds for the future. I know he will be better next year.”
After a promising 2024 season and a long-awaited postseason return, the Broncos are united in their belief that they have their QB of the future. If Nix needed a stamp of approval after a tremendous rookie season, he got three on Wednesday.
Said Paton: “We have a young nucleus and a great quarterback to build around.”