Denver Broncos defenders have been full of praise for quarterback Bo Nix this summer, with many players noting the rookie’s intelligence and composure. Nix brings more than just smarts to the position, though. He is a talented athlete who rushed for 1,613 yards and 38 touchdowns in college.
“I didn’t realize how fast he was,” Broncos linebacker Jonas Griffith said after practice on Tuesday. “It’s kind of crazy because he had a scramble and he was running a few days ago, I was like, ‘Wow, he’s kind of fast.’ I consider myself a fast guy. He’s not as fast as me, but he’s pretty fast.”
That speed should prove to be useful for Nix in a Payton offense that previously utilized Taysom Hill’s rushing ability with the New Orleans Saints.
As for Griffith, he’s back on the field this summer after missing half of the 2022 season with an ankle injury and all of the 2023 campaign with a torn ACL. He’ll make his return to game action when the Broncos take on the Indianapolis Colts in their preseason opener on Sunday.
“I am going to feel like a kid on Christmas Day,” Griffith said. “It’s been 18 months since I played and put on a jersey on, so I’m just thankful. I’m excited to have the opportunity to strap it up again.”
Griffith is competing with Cody Barton for a starting inside linebacker job this summer. The battle will be decided during preseason.