The Denver Broncos are set to make history as rookie quarterback Bo Nix takes the field in their National Football League (NFL) season opener against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, on September 8. This marks the first time in 41 years that a rookie QB has started for the Broncos, with the last being the legendary John Elway in 1983.
John Elway, a nine-time Pro Bowler and three-time Second Team All-Pro, was instrumental in leading the Broncos to Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII, earning the Super Bowl MVP title in the latter. Elway spent his entire 16-season career with Denver after being acquired shortly after being drafted first overall by the Baltimore Colts.
Bo Nix, selected by Denver with the 12th pick in this year's NFL Draft, brings a promising portfolio from his time at Auburn University and the University of Oregon. He completed 1,286 of his 1,936 passes for 15,351 yards and 113 touchdowns with 26 interceptions over 61 games in five years.
\"Obviously, that's great to share with such a great player as John Elway,\" Nix said. \"You just want to go out there and get the first win, ultimately compete at a high level and give your team the best chance to win.\"
Head coach Sean Payton expressed his confidence in Nix's abilities, stating, \"We're not in a hurry to arrive at those type of decisions, we want to see it. He's been outstanding. Obviously there's a ton of room for growth, a lot of things he needs to work on, but there is a maturity level with him.\" Payton is no stranger to starting rookie quarterbacks, having done the same with Ian Book at the New Orleans Saints in 2021.
In his first season with the Broncos in 2023, Payton led the team to eight wins and nine defeats, falling short of the playoffs for the eighth consecutive time since their Super Bowl 50 victory in February 2016. With Nix at the helm, fans are hopeful that this new chapter will bring renewed energy and success to the team.
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Bo Nix to become first rookie starting QB for Broncos in 41 years
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