Sean Payton named rookie Bo Nix the team’s new starting quarterback on Wednesday and Denver Broncos royalty has been swift to endorse the move.
Former Broncos quarterbacks John Elway and Peyton Manning, who helped the team win three Super Bowls, competed in the BMW Championship pro-am in Castle Pines and they were both made available to media members after the Nix news broke on Wednesday.
Following an endorsement from Elway, Manning also gave the decision a thumbs up.
Manning said he met up with Nix and Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles at a Luke Bryan concert ahead of the pro-am on Tuesday night. The former quarterback also watched Nix in a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers at Denver’s facility last Friday.
“Hey, he’s had a great camp,” Manning said of Nix. “He’s had a great offseason. He’s used the time [well]. 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 [Payton] on Monday and he shared some things, too, just that Bo has really kind of answered his challenge and answered the bell. So, [I’m] happy for him. What a great opportunity. I know what that’s like, starting as a rookie in your first NFL game, but he’ll be ready. And [I’m] pulling hard for him.”
After the @BMWchamps Pro-Am, I asked Peyton Manning Bo Nix officially being named @Broncos starting QB.
He also let us know Bo & G.B. stopped by to see Luke Bryan play the pairings party Tuesday night @ Castle Pines. G.C.@KOAColorado @guerillasports_ #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/ltvCw7jrlS— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) August 21, 2024
Nix is set to become the team’s first rookie quarterback since Elway to start in Week 1. Manning believes that is the right decision.
“I’m in favor — I’m a fan — of playing right away,” Manning said. “Getting the experience is only going to make him better.”
Manning retired from the NFL after winning Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos following the 2015 season. Nix is now set to become Denver’s 14th starting quarterback in the post-Manning era.
