Ducks Digest

NFL Legend Peyton Manning Reveals Opinion On Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

Former Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix is excelling as a Denver Bronco and NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning believes the Broncos’ future is bright. After a strong rookie season, Manning sees no signs of slowing down for Nix and coach Sean Payton's Broncos.

Olivia Cleary

Jan 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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EUGENE – Former Oregon Duck and current Denver Bronco Bo Nix had a monumental rookie campaign during the 2024 NFL season. Nix received a Pro Bowl invite as an alternate after racking up over 4,200 yards and 34 touchdowns in his rookie season. Nix also led the Broncos to a 10-7 record and their first NFL playoff appearance since 2015. 

Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) moves in the pocket during the first quarte
Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) moves in the pocket during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images / Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

With a talented and composed rookie quarterback at the helm, Broncos coach Sean Payton has the team moving in the right direction following a successful 2024 season. Too often, a team enjoys a breakout year only to fall off the next, but Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning doesn’t see that happening in Denver. Instead, he expects the Broncos to keep building on their momentum and continue trending upward. 

"It’s been a good fit,” Manning said during an interview on Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan in January. “I just see it continuing to get better.” 

After a stellar season at Oregon in 2023, where Nix led the Ducks to a 12-2 record while also being a Heisman finalist, winning the Campbell Trophy, and being named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, Nix was drafted as the 12th overall pick by the Denver Broncos. 

Feb 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC coach Peyton Manning (left) and brother and NFC coach Eli Manning watch during the 2025 Pr
Feb 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC coach Peyton Manning (left) and brother and NFC coach Eli Manning watch during the 2025 Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Nix wasted no time making an impact in Denver. After earning the starting job in training camp, the rookie quarterback put together a record-setting season, leading all first-year players in completions, passing yards, touchdown passes, and total touchdowns. His 29 touchdown passes were the second-most ever by a rookie, trailing only Justin Herbert’s 31 in 2020. 

“I could just tell Sean liked him from the get-go,” Manning told The Fan. “I remember Sean talking about his private workouts and sort of their conversations."

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“You could tell Sean was interested in him early on as a player, as a person. And I think he’s been everything that Sean was kind of hoping he would be. Just a gym rat, a guy that loves ball, a guy that wants more. ‘Hey, give me more, I can handle it,'” Manning continued.

Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines in the fourth quarter of an
Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines in the fourth quarter of an AFC wild card game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images / Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Nix consistently delivered throughout the season, making NFL history as the first rookie quarterback to log multiple games with at least 300 passing yards, four touchdowns, and a passer rating of 140. He also set the rookie record for the most games with multiple touchdown passes and no interceptions. That level of efficiency played a key role in leading the Broncos to their first 10-win season and playoff appearance in nearly a decade. 

With Nix leading the charge, the Broncos have established a foundation built for long-term success. Manning has seen teams rise and fall, but he believes Denver is on a steady upward path, showing no signs of slowing down.  

The 2024 season proved that Denver can compete at a high level, but now the challenge is taking that next step. With a full year of experience under Nix’s belt and a roster that continues to develop, the Broncos have every reason to believe they can make an even deeper postseason run in 2025. 

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Olivia Cleary
OLIVIA CLEARY

Olivia Cleary, commonly known as Liv, is a fourth-year student at the University of Oregon. While pursuing a degree in journalism, Olivia has submersed herself in the world of Oregon athletics. Olivia is an intern within the athletic department. This role has provided her with a unique perspective as she has created relationships with staff, administrators, and student-athletes. Olivia is eager to share her insights and analysis on the Ducks and the broader world of college sports.

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