Tampa Bay's Bucky Irving Shows Touching Support of Denver QB Bo Nix, Former Oregon Teammate

Tampa Bay Buccaneer rookie running back Bucky Irving is rooting for Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix, as both Irving and Nix are former Oregon Ducks stars. Irving and Nix are making noise as NFL offensive rookie of the year candidates.

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) alongside running back Bucky Irving (0) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is coming off of a career game during his rookie season but he's not the only former Oregon Ducks star that's been hot as of late.

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is making his case for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year despite a slow start to the season. Irving was asked about what he's seen from Nix lately as both rookies look to make a final playoff push.

"That's my dog man," Irving said, per Tampa Bay on SI's Isaiah De Anda Delgado. "I've been rooting since he got picked. Whoever was doubting him out there, saying he wasn't a good quarterback. This is a guy that I went to war with for two years and he's like my best friend."

Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) exchange jerseys after a game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Nix and the Broncos got the best of the Bucs in a 26-7 win at Raymond James Stadium in Week 3 but Irving jokingly said that he's cheering for Denver.

"I'm rooting for him every week, and go Broncos," Irving said with a laugh.

Irving had the best game of his young career in Sunday's 30-7 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. He finished with 12 carries for a career-high 87 yards and a touchdown. He also posted six grabs and a career-high 64 receiving yards.

Headed into Week 13, Irving now has 108 carries for 579 yards and five touchdowns along with 32 catches (on 34 targets) for 252 yards.

Nov 24, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) gestures in the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

As for Nix, he's turned things around with the Broncos. He's led Denver to a 7-5 record and in position to make it to the playoffs. The No. 12 overall pick by the Broncos in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nix had no touchdowns passes and four interceptions after the first three weeks of the season. Since then, he's thrown just two picks and 16 touchdowns. Arguably his best game came in Week 11's 38-6 win over the Atlanta Falcons, as Nix finished 28 of 33 passing for 307 yards and four touchdowns.

Irving and the Bucs will take on the Carolina Panthers Sunday while Nix and the Broncos will host the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football.

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