When Bo Nix makes his NFL debut on Sunday, the former Pinson Valley High School and Auburn standout will be more than the Denver Broncos’ starting quarterback. Nix also will be a team captain for Denver – the first rookie to hold that responsibility for the Broncos since running Floyd Little in 1967.
Little went on to become one of Denver’s greatest players and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“It’s an honor,” Nix said about being chosen by his teammates as a team captain. “It’s a privilege. I’m excited to be with this group. Excited to be a captain. I don’t take it lightly. I know it’s a big deal and it hasn’t happened often, but I’m not going to take it for granted. I’ve got to come to work every single day and just prove that you can be a captain. But I’m excited to work with these other guys, and I think it’s good that we can get out there and set the tone.”
Nix is among 15 players from Alabama high schools and colleges who are serving as team captains in the NFL this season. The others include:
· Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama)
· Los Angeles Chargers center Bradley Bozeman (Alabama)
· Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Derrick Brown (Auburn)
· Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (West Alabama)
· Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Josh Hines-Allen (Abbeville)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (Alabama)
· Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly (Alabama)
· Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson (Fort Payne)
· New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (Theodore, Alabama)
· Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II (Alabama)
· Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)
· Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (Davidson)
· New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (Wenonah, Alabama)
· Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (Alabama)
The Las Vegas Raiders have not announced their captains, but kicker Daniel Carlson (Auburn) served in that capacity last season for the team.
The Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders selected captains weekly.
