Bo Nix Outstanding per Payton for the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, backup quarterbacks are often called “the most important players you hope you never need”—but for the Denver Broncos in 2024, Bo Nix has proven to be far more than just a contingency plan. Since signing with the Broncos in the off-season, Nix— a former first-round pick with a reputation for grit and adaptability—has impressed head coach Sean Payton with his work ethic, football IQ, and ability to step up when called upon. Payton, known for his high standards and keen eye for quarterback talent, has repeatedly singled out Nix as a “difference-maker” for the Broncos, both on the field and in the locker room. Bo Nix Outstanding per Payton for the Denver Broncos explores why Payton holds Nix in such high regard, the specific contributions that have earned this praise, and how Nix has become an unexpected asset in the Broncos’ playoff push.

Bo Nix Outstanding per Payton for the Denver Broncos first delves into Payton’s initial impression of Nix, which began during the 2024 off-season when the Broncos signed Nix to a two-year, $8 million deal to back up Russell Wilson. At the time, many analysts viewed the move as a low-risk depth addition—Nix had struggled in his first two NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, failing to lock down a starting role. But Payton saw something others didn’t: a quarterback with untapped potential, a willingness to learn, and a style that could complement Wilson’s. “Bo came in here with a chip on his shoulder, and he’s worked his tail off every day,” Payton said during training camp. “He studies film like a starter, he asks the right questions, and he’s got a knack for making plays when we put him in during practice.” That work ethic quickly translated to pre-season success: Nix led the Broncos to two pre-season wins, completing 72% of his passes for 486 yards and 5 touchdowns, with zero interceptions. By the end of August, Payton was already calling Nix “the best backup quarterback in the AFC”—a bold statement that would soon be validated.

The first on-field validation of Bo Nix Outstanding per Payton for the Denver Broncos came in Week 6, when Wilson left the game against the Las Vegas Raiders with a mild shoulder injury in the second quarter. With the Broncos trailing 14-7, Nix stepped in and immediately changed the momentum. He completed 15 of 21 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns, including a 22-yard strike to Marvin Mims Jr. that gave the Broncos a 21-14 lead in the third quarter. He also showed poise in the pocket, evading a Raiders pass rush that had sacked Wilson twice, and made smart decisions to avoid turnovers. The Broncos went on to win 28-21, and Payton didn’t hold back his praise after the game. “Bo was outstanding—he didn’t just manage the game, he won it,” Payton said in his post-game press conference. “He stayed calm, he executed our playbook, and he made the kinds of plays that great quarterbacks make. That’s why we brought him here—we knew he had that in him.” For Nix, the performance was a turning point: it silenced critics who had written him off and proved to his teammates that he could be trusted in high-pressure situations.

Bo Nix Outstanding per Payton for the Denver Broncos also extends beyond his on-field play to his role as a “quarterback coach” for Wilson and the rest of the offense. Even when he’s not playing, Nix spends hours studying film with Wilson, pointing out defensive tendencies and offering insights on how to attack specific coverages. Payton has highlighted this collaborative approach as a key reason for Wilson’s resurgence in 2024. “Bo makes Russell better, and that makes our entire offense better,” Payton explained on a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show. “He’s not just a backup—he’s a student of the game, and he’s willing to share what he knows. That kind of selflessness is rare, and it’s a big part of why our offense is clicking this season.” For the Denver Broncos, this dynamic between Wilson and Nix has been a hidden advantage. Wilson, who has struggled with confidence in recent years, has credited Nix with helping him “see the field differently” and “stay sharp” even during lulls in games. In turn, Nix has said that working with Wilson and Payton has helped him “grow as a quarterback” and “understand what it takes to win in this league.”

Another reason for Payton’s praise of Bo Nix Outstanding per Payton for the Denver Broncos is Nix’s versatility, which has allowed the Broncos to use him in creative ways beyond traditional backup duties. Payton has designed specific packages for Nix—including read-option plays and short-yardage situations—that leverage his mobility and ability to make plays with his legs. In Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers, Nix entered the game in the second quarter for a “wildcat” formation, rushing for 12 yards on a critical third-and-10 play that kept a scoring drive alive. Later in the game, he threw a 15-yard pass to Brandin Cooks on a trick play that set up the Broncos’ game-winning touchdown. “Bo gives us a different dimension,” Payton said. “We can use him in ways that keep defenses off-balance, and he executes those roles perfectly. He’s not just a one-trick pony—he’s a versatile weapon.” For the Denver Broncos, this versatility has made their offense more unpredictable. Defenses can’t just prepare for Wilson—they have to account for Nix’s unique skill set, which forces them to adjust their game plans and opens up opportunities for other players.

The final layer of Bo Nix Outstanding per Payton for the Denver Broncos is the impact Nix has had on team culture—a factor Payton has called “just as important as his on-field play.” Nix, known for his positive attitude and team-first mindset, has become a leader in the Broncos’ locker room, especially among the younger players. He hosts weekly film sessions for the wide receivers and running backs, helping them understand the offense from a quarterback’s perspective, and he’s often the first player to congratulate teammates after a big play. Payton has noted that Nix’s presence has “lifted the energy” of the entire team, creating a more competitive and supportive environment in practice. “Bo’s a winner—even when he’s not playing, he’s finding ways to contribute to our success,” Payton said. “He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better, and that’s the mark of a special teammate.” For the Denver Broncos, Nix’s role as a culture builder has been just as valuable as his on-field contributions. In a season where the Broncos have exceeded all expectations, Nix has been a quiet but critical part of that success—proving that Payton’s initial faith in him was well-placed. As the Broncos head into the playoffs, Nix remains ready to step up if needed, and Payton has made it clear that he has full confidence in his backup. “Bo’s outstanding,” Payton said recently. “And when you have a player like that in your locker room, you know you’ve got a chance to win every week.”