Bo
Nix

Nabbed by Denver with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Bo provided an instant payoff, guiding the Broncos back to the playoffs for the first time since 2015 after routing the Chiefs 38-0 in the regular season finale. Nix's 29 passing touchdowns were the second-most ever by a rookie quarterback, behind only Justin Herbert's 31 in 2020.

By the end of his rookie season, Nix had mastered the art of touchdowns. In Week 18 of 2024, the rising star completed 26-of-29 passes for 321 yards and a campaign-best four scores. That superb showing propelled the Broncos to a playoff-clinching win over the mighty Chiefs.

Teammates at the University of Oregon, Nix and receiver Troy Franklin made history when the two hooked up for a 43-yard touchdown in the wild-card round against Buffalo on Jan. 12, 2025. The first-quarter score marked the first rookie-to-rookie touchdown pass in NFL postseason history.

Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, the Broncos knew they wanted to draft their next franchise quarterback. Nailing that selection in the first round, they took Nix with the No. 12 overall pick. He gave Denver the foundation to build the offense around and get back to perennial playoff contention.

There's a steep learning curve for NFL rookies, but Nix was a curve-wrecker in 2024. The first-year passer rarely made a mistake. In fact, he set a record with his efficient performances, becoming the first rookie in league history with seven games of at least 200 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

A perfect fit in Sean Payton's offense, Bo Nix threw the most touchdown passes in Denver history. 2024 was rewarded the Broncos in throwing for 29 touchdowns, the second-most ever by a rookie quarterback. He set the NFL rookie record for low Franklin last the first rookie quarterback to start in Denver history.

Bo knows passing. The Broncos QB has feathery touch on short throws and arm strength to go deep. He's also agile enough to avoid the pass-rush and pick up yards via an off-script scramble. On Denver's designed runs, Nix executes a flawless sprint-out with a cutback slash between pursuing linebackers.

No rookie quarterback in Broncos history racked up wins like Nix in 2024 — not even the legendary John Elway. Looking poised from opening day, the signal-caller had a campaign to remember in 2024. His 10 victories shattered the previous franchise rookie record of four, shared by Elway and Drew Lock.

X marked the spot for Nix down the stretch run in 2024 as he seemed to hit all his targets and helped the Broncos get back into the postseason. The rookie QB had multiple TD passes in each of his last four regular-season games, including four in the season-finale win over Kansas City.

Nix grabbed a pen and authored the best rookie season Denver had ever seen in 2024. A first-person narrative about a kid who grew up in Alabama and traveled to the faraway land in Oregon before wowing the Mile High City, the trip to the postseason.

Few coaches know quarterbacks better than Sean Payton, who helped make Tony Romo and Drew Brees stars. He sees a similar outcome for Nix in Denver. "I honestly think he's gonna be one of the top quarterbacks within the next two years," Payton said. "I think he's going to be a superstar."

Nix's first career playoff touchdown was an absolute beauty. Leading the Broncos on the road against the Bills on Jan. 12, 2025, he had his team ready to go early in the wild-card clash. His second throw of the contest was a soaring 43-yard shot over the top of the defense that found his man in the end zone.

One of the most versatile passing prospects in 2024, Nix looked like a seasoned veteran during his rookie training camp and earned QB1 status heading into Week 1. "Yeah, I was excited for him," said QB Zach Wilson. "I think he's had a great camp. I'm excited to see what he can do and I think he's ready for it."

Teachers harp on students to show their work. When NFL teams asked the same of Nix, all he had to do was rattle off his long list of college achievements. In two seasons at Oregon, he set the school's marks for career completion percentage (74.9) and completions (364), yards (4,508) and passing TDs (45) in a season.

Nix earned the respect of one of the league's greatest players in Week 10 of 2024. After throwing for 215 yards and two touchdowns against Kansas City, he met Patrick Mahomes II in the postgame scrum. "Way to play your [behind] off. Keep leading those dudes," Mahomes told the Denver rookie.

The 2024 draft class was deep with quarterback talent — and Nix wasted little time proving himself an honor student. He thrived as the first rookie QB to start from the outset for the Broncos since John Elway in 1983. NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors in October confirmed his swift success.