Former Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix, now with the Denver Broncos, had a rookie season that surpassed expectations and left a lasting impression across the NFL. Nix not only impressed with his play on the field, but he also achieved milestones that many veteran quarterbacks couldn’t match. He joined Robert Griffin III as the only rookie quarterbacks to throw a passing touchdown on their opening drive in a playoff game since 2000. In the Broncos’ 31-7 Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills, Nix finished with 144 passing yards on 13 completions out of 22 attempts and added 43 rushing yards on four carries, showing both his versatility and composure.
Nix’s debut season came after he was selected by the Broncos with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, a choice that raised some eyebrows due to his status as a 2023 Heisman Trophy finalist under Oregon head coach Dan Lanning. Despite some skepticism, the Broncos significantly exceeded expectations, finishing the regular season with a 10-7 record, well above the 5.5 win total predicted by oddsmakers. His leadership and poise on the field were key to Denver’s return to the playoffs after an eight-year absence. Nix also set an NFL rookie record for most touchdown passes at home by a rookie with 19, breaking a record previously held by Justin Herbert.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Nix’s season was his toughness. Despite suffering three vertebrae fractures in his lower back during a Week 12 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Nix didn’t miss a single snap, playing through the injury in a gritty 29-19 win. His resilience was a clear sign of his determination and commitment to his team. Over his first 18 games, Nix threw for 3,775 passing yards (leading all rookies), 29 passing touchdowns (also a rookie best), and 12 interceptions. His completion rate was 66.3%, ranking third among rookies, while his passer rating stood at 93.3 and quarterback rating at 57.0, again placing him in the top ranks for his class.
Nix was also a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for 430 yards and four touchdowns. In one of the more unexpected plays of the season, he even caught a two-yard touchdown pass during a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. With the Broncos holding the 20th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they are in a strong position to add another offensive weapon to further support Nix as he continues to develop into a star.
