The Lead
When Head Coach Sean Payton announced on Wednesday that Bo Nix will be the Broncos' starting quarterback for 2024, excitement continued to build for Denver's Week 1 game in Seattle.
Among those eager to see Nix in action is John Elway, who was the last rookie quarterback to start for the Broncos in a season opener.
Elway, who led the Broncos to five AFC Championship wins and two Super Bowl trophies, told media after the 2024 BMW Championship Pro-Am on Wednesday he believes Nix's talent and experience will help him find success.
"Obviously Bo is tremendously talented," Elway told KUSA and other reporters. "He's played a lot of college football so he's ahead of the curve when it comes to that. … He's going to have his ups and downs as a young guy, which I had plenty of those, but he's got all of the talent and the will and the mind strength to be able to do it."
The Super Bowl XXXIII MVP and nine-time Pro Bowler said he still remembers his first snap and the intimidation that came with it, noting that it took some time for him to find his way in the league. While all young players often have to navigate a learning curve during their first years in the NFL, Elway believes that Nix is prepared to take on any challenge he may face.
"You just have to take it a play a time," Elway said. "… He just [has to] remain patient. He'll work his tail off, so we're expecting good things. It's an exciting time for the Broncos."
While facing this level of expectation and pressure may be intimidating to some, Nix said that his focus and approach to each practice and game hasn't changed. His first priority continues to be finding a way to score points and win games for the team.
"It will be a special moment," Nix said Wednesday. "Obviously, that's great to share with such a great player like John Elway, but definitely want to [go] out there and [do] whatever I can do ultimately for the team. … You just want to get out there, get the first win, ultimately compete at a high level and give your team the best chance possible. That is what my goal is at the beginning. Just give our team the best chance to go out there and win games every week."
KUSA was also among the outlets that caught up with Hall of Famer and two-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning on the golf course, who spoke highly of the young quarterback.
"He's had a great camp [and] he's had a great offseason," Manning said. "… You knew his experience [and] his maturity would be an advantage for him and he's picked up the system quickly. You can tell. I saw Sean on Monday and he shared some things too. [He shared] that Bo has really kind of answered his challenge and answered the bell. So, [I'm] happy for him — what a great opportunity."
Although Manning didn't begin his career in Denver, he is familiar with the pressure and expectations that come with being a young quarterback. Beginning his career in Indianapolis, Manning took some time to find success. The five-time league MVP eventually found his way, and he is confident that when the time comes, Nix will be ready.
"I know what that's like, starting as a rookie in your first NFL game," Manning said. "But he'll be ready and [I'm] pulling hard for him."
As Nix begins his career, Manning believes experience will be the best teacher.
"He knows he's going to have to lean on his teammates, and the veteran players have got to help him," Manning said. "They've got to do their part. They've got to play good 'D,' we've got to run the ball, we've got to make some plays for him. But look, he'll be ready. As Sean said, he's been a great student. The cerebral part of the game he's picked up. Look, it's a marathon, not a sprint, as a rookie. I'm a fan of playing right away. Getting experience is only going to make him better."
