From Auburn’s Scapegoat to Broncos’ Savior: The Remarkable Rise of Bo Nix

Bo Nix was born in Arkansas but grew up in Pinson, Alabama. When he was a young boy, all he wanted to do was play football at Auburn and become the best quarterback in the world. He played football under his dad at Pinson Valley High School and led them to two state championships. He became a five-star quarterback in his class and received offers from hundreds of schools, but he had his eyes set on one school—Auburn. He instantly became the starter for them. At first, everything was going great for him. Everyone thought he would become their hometown hero, winning SEC Freshman of the Year and throwing for over 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns. He was electric. But in the following years, he started struggling. He couldn't quite replicate what he did his freshman season, throwing interceptions left and right. Every Auburn fan started hating him, calling him “Bo Pix.” Bo started feeling stuck and decided to have a fresh start. At the end of his junior season, he transferred to the Oregon Ducks. They welcomed him with open arms. He became their starter and did amazing. In his second year, he led the Ducks to a 12–2 record, a Pac-12 Championship game appearance, and a Fiesta Bowl win. The next year, he declared for the draft and got drafted by the Denver Broncos with the 12th overall pick. Once again, he was named the starter.

Broncos fans were devastated at first, thinking the team had thrown away their pick on a bust. But Coach Sean Payton had a vision and trusted Bo.

The first game, against the Seattle Seahawks, was a devastating loss. Bo had a decently good game—he threw for 138 yards and a rushing touchdown—but he also threw two interceptions. Broncos' fans immediately thought he should be benched. But they were proven wrong. The next year, he came back with one of the best rookie seasons anyone has ever seen. He ended up leading the Broncos to their first playoff game since 2015 and posted incredible stats: over 3,000 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 430 rushing yards, five rushing/receiving touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He finished 2nd in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting and was cemented as one of the best rookie quarterbacks ever to play the game, breaking multiple franchise and NFL records.

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Donavan Taylor is a Sophomore at Poudre High School and in his first year at the Poudre Press. he plays Football and after high school he wants to play professional football or become a chef.