Denver Broncos legend opens up about his admiration for Bo Nix, sharing why he’s a big fan of the rising quarterback.
Broncos Legend Reveals Being 'A Big Fan' of Bo Nix originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix exceeded expectations in his rookie year by leading the Broncos to the playoffs for the first time since 2015. The Broncos lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Buffalo Bills, and now look to take it a step further in 2025.
The Broncos have reloaded their offense and added a couple key pieces to an already stellar defense, and hope to see Nix take a jump forward in his second season.
That step forward started this offseason as Nix worked on his development as a quarterback and his leadership skills in Denver. Nix has impressed throughout training camp, and at Thursday's joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers, there was a special guest who was looking on.
Broncos legendary head coach and father of current 49ers head coach, Mike Shanahan, attended Friday's practice and took notice of the Broncos' young quarterback.
“If you don’t believe, the players aren’t going to believe.”
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 8, 2025
1-on-1 with #BroncosROF HC Mike Shanahan on Denver having high expectations, #DENvsSF and more: pic.twitter.com/OikJTBzv4I
“I heard so much about him,’’ Shanahan said Friday morning (h/t 9News). "Watching him play and how he handles himself, I’m a big fan of his."
The vote of confidence looms large from the Broncos' two-time Super Bowl champion head coach and Ring of Fame member. Shanahan coached the Broncos for more than 20 years between 1980 and 2010, with 14 of those coming as the head coach.
The Broncos' legend was impressed by what he saw in Nix on the field, and but was just as impressed with his first impression of the young quarterback's character and maturity.
“I don’t know him. I met him for the first time yesterday," Shanahan said (h/t 9News). "What a class act, and what a great football player. A lot of accolades have been cast his way and rightfully so.”
Nix played five years and college and was able to achieve great success in his final two years at Oregon. He's been able to use that experience to find success quickly in the NFL.
Shanahan was impressed by the way the young quarterback carries himself, and couldn't name just one thing he liked about Nix's game.
“Everything, really,’’ Shanahan said (h/t 9News). “How he handles himself. You’re always hoping a quarterback is going to handle himself in the right way when he’s successful. He’s been very successful, and how he’s played has been very impressive, as well.”
Nix and the Broncos have very high expectations heading into 2025, and the young quarterback's play will be the most important factor. Although Nix is only in his second year in the NFL, he's impressed a lot of former greats in the game and has to the chance to take the Broncos to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in 10 years.
Related: Former Bronco Von Miller Has Interesting Take on Denver’s Recent Success, Upward Trajectory
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football