The Denver Broncos recently named rookie Bo Nix their starter at quarterback over Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson, and while some have questioned the move, it is clear they’re looking to build for the future.
Nix was the No. 12 pick in April’s NFL draft, and he will become the first rookie to start at QB for the Broncos since a man named John Elway did it in 1983.
Nix is also the team’s first captain since 1967, and he sounded appreciative of the opportunity when talking about it to reporters, per Troy Renck.
#Broncos Bo Nix is the team’s first rookie captain since 1967. He’s the first rookie to start opener since 1983. He’s not taking this for granted pic.com/dx3EKCYGji
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) September 4, 2024
Nix had a whale of a college career at the University of Oregon, where he spent the last two seasons after transferring from Auburn University.
In 2023, he led the NCAA in pass completions (364) and passing touchdowns (45) while setting a single-season record by completing 77.4 percent of his pass attempts.
Some feel he has a few of the same qualities as Hall of Fame-bound quarterback Drew Brees, whom Broncos head coach Sean Payton coached while with the New Orleans Saints and won a Super Bowl championship with.
Denver is coming off a dismal two seasons with veteran Russell Wilson under center, and despite being tabbed as contenders after trading for him in 2022, they missed the playoffs in both their seasons with him.
In fact, they haven’t made the playoffs since the 2015 season, when they won it all in Peyton Manning’s final pro season.
It will likely be a little while before the Broncos become competitive again, but at the very least, they could have their next franchise signal-caller in Nix.
