The Denver Broncos have officially named rookie quarterback Bo Nix as their starter for the upcoming season, the team announced on Wednesday. Head coach Sean Payton made the decision, selecting Nix over veterans Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson.
Following the announcement, Nix expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m super excited and ready to get back to work again.” He added, “The past few weeks, I’ve felt really comfortable. Getting to a different defense (and) playing these preseason games have really helped me a lot.”
Nix has shown efficiency during his preseason performances, completing 23 of 30 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, he has rushed six times for 29 yards without being sacked.
The Broncos drafted the 6-foot-2, 217-pound quarterback with the No. 12 overall pick in the April draft. Nix was selected following a standout final collegiate season at Oregon, where he threw for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns, and three interceptions. His performance earned him a third-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting, behind Michael Penix Jr. and winner Jayden Daniels.
Nix, 24, will be the first rookie quarterback to start a Week 1 game for the Broncos since John Elway in 1983, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
In his collegiate career, which spanned five seasons at Auburn and Oregon, Nix completed 66.4% of his passes for 15,351 yards, 113 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions.
The Broncos will kick off their season on September 8 with an away game against the Seattle Seahawks.
