Mile High Report
For the first time since Peyton Manning retired, Denver believes it has found the answer at quarterback.
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:
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...
