Broncos QB Bo Nix Pens Letter to Daughter Riley

The new father reflects on his first year with his baby girl.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:23am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player holding a newborn baby, with the player's form fractured and overlapping in sharp planes of navy, orange, and white.A new father reflects on the highs and lows of his first year with his baby girl, as he balances the demands of an NFL career.Denver Today

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix published a heartfelt letter to his daughter Riley in The Players' Tribune on Wednesday. Nix and his wife Izzy welcomed Riley on February 25, which is also Nix's birthday. In the letter, Nix reflects on the highs and lows of his first year as a father, including memorable moments from the Broncos' 2025 season.

Why it matters

As a rising star quarterback, Nix's personal life and family milestones are of great interest to Broncos fans and the broader NFL community. The letter provides a rare, intimate glimpse into the life of a professional athlete balancing the demands of their career with the joys and challenges of parenthood.

The details

In the letter, Nix shares how he and Izzy were overjoyed to welcome Riley, but also describes the exhaustion and stress of being a new parent. He highlights specific game-winning plays from the Broncos' 2025 season, acknowledging that Riley likely won't remember them, but expressing his hope that she'll one day understand the sacrifices he makes as an NFL player. Nix also touches on the importance of being a role model for his daughter.

  • Bo Nix and his wife Izzy welcomed their daughter Riley on February 25, 2026, which is also Nix's birthday.
  • Nix published the letter to his daughter in The Players' Tribune on April 16, 2026.

The players

Bo Nix

The starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, who recently became a first-time father.

Izzy Nix

Bo Nix's wife, who gave birth to their daughter Riley.

Riley Nix

The newborn daughter of Bo and Izzy Nix.

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What they’re saying

“You won't remember (kicker Wil) Lutz's game-winner against the Chiefs, Nik (Bonitto)'s game-saving stop against the Commanders, or J-Mac's incredible interception and Marvin's TD catch against the Bills,”

— Bo Nix, Broncos Quarterback

The takeaway

Nix's letter to his daughter Riley provides a rare, personal glimpse into the life of a rising NFL star as he navigates the joys and challenges of fatherhood. It humanizes Nix beyond just his on-field performance and highlights the sacrifices professional athletes make to balance their careers with their family lives.