Broncos QB Bo Nix Raises Eyebrows in Training Camp Amid ‘Big News’

Bo Nix stole headlines to open Denver Broncos training camp. Broncos head coach Sean Payton revealed Nix visited future Hall of Famer Drew Brees and legendary throwing coach Tom House this offseason. Nix may already be putting what he learned to use.

The Broncos took to the practice field for the first time in training camp on Wednesday. Nix’s completion to No. 1 wide receiver Courtland Sutton, while routine, drew attention.

“Bo Nix slinging it at practice today,” the Broncos’ social media team posted on X on July 23.

Nix and Sutton developed strong chemistry last season, helping the Broncos win 10 games and earn a playoff berth for the first time since 2015. Heading into their second season together, Sutton faces stiffer competition for Nix’s attention, but remains in store for plenty of targets.

The DNVR Broncos handle called the meeting “BIG news” and praised the effort shown by Nix to make the trip.

Sean Payton Praises Bo Nix in Major Revelation

Payton fielded a question about his “marriage” with Nix, which was deemed a strong fit before the Broncos made the former Oregon Ducks QB the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 draft. The Super Bowl-winning head coach said that idea “almost discredits the athlete.”

However, Payton went on to praise the work ethic Nix displayed this offseason. That is when he revealed Nix’s trips to visit Brees and House.

Payton said Nix “works his tail off” and “wants to improve.”

“The whole offseason is planned out. He’s gone and visited Brees four or five days, and that’s Tom House in here. And there’s a lot that he wants to absorb in a fast period of time, and that’s a great thing for a young player like that,” Payton told reporters after the first practice of this year’s training camp on July 23.

“Drew lives in San Diego, and he spent some time going there just with the schedule and wanting to know more about the offense. And so, I’m sure – I don’t even know when he went, but I just know he went, and yeah, it was him doing more research at the position.”

Brees was Payton’s QB on the Saints for that Super Bowl victory in 2009.”

The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider wrote in March 2024 that ESPN’s Mel Kiper suspected Payton would “see a lot” of Brees in Nix, who drew comparisons to the ex-Saints QB independent of the Broncos.

House was a major league pitcher in the ‘70s. Since retiring, he has trained some of the most prominent QBs in recent memory, including Brees, Tom Brady, Andrew Luck, and Dak Prescott.

Payton called House “interesting” and “amazing,” citing his “baseball guy” background.

“It’s fascinating. He’s real smart,” Payton said, later noting that most of House’s work with Nix will be indiscernible from the outside. “Those opportunities we get to just have a lunch or sit and visit are pretty special for me. He’s pretty sharp.”

Broncos Teammates Have High Expectations for Bo Nix

Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey set lofty expectations for Nix entering his second season in the NFL.

“I don’t think it really affected anybody’s confidence a year ago, but I think it was kind of – it kind of became the expectation midway through. And then, the way that he looked in the spring, and the way that he came back, and the energy that he came back with, … his confidence is going to radiate through the whole team,” McGlinchey told reporters on July 22.

“Bo’s done a great job of that. He’s a pro’s pro in the way that he approaches the game, and the way that he treats his teammates. And yeah, he’s going to be a great player for us this year.”

Broncos cornerback and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II agrees.

“Bo, he’s even more confident going into this year. Obviously, with year one under his belt, a lot more confidence rises upon that,” Surtain told reporters on July 22. “The team, we have Bo back the whole way through. He’s a tremendous leader out there. Obviously, a tremendous player. So, this year he’s going to make a lot of noise, and we’re looking forward to see what he does and his success moving forward.”