Super Bowl-Winning QB Praises Broncos' Bo Nix

Drew Bledsoe calls Nix a 'big fan' and credits coach Sean Payton for QB's rapid rise.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:54pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the dynamic action and energy of a football game.Bledsoe's praise for Broncos QB Nix highlights the importance of strong coaching in developing young talent.Denver Today

Former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe, a four-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, has emerged as a vocal supporter of Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. Bledsoe praised Nix's quick development, crediting Broncos head coach Sean Payton's coaching as a key factor in Nix's success.

Why it matters

Bledsoe's endorsement of Nix carries weight as a respected veteran quarterback, and his comments highlight the importance of strong coaching in helping young QBs succeed in the NFL. Nix is seen as a rising star for the Broncos, and Bledsoe's praise could further boost his profile.

The details

Appearing on Good Morning Football, Bledsoe admitted it was 'hard for me to cheer for an Oregon Duck' due to his college rivalry with the Ducks, but said he's 'a big Bo Nix fan' and praised the rapid development Nix has shown in his first two NFL seasons with the Broncos. Bledsoe highlighted Nix's historic rookie campaign and last season's playoff win, and credited Broncos head coach Sean Payton's coaching as a key factor, calling Payton his 'favorite playcaller'.

  • In his second NFL season, Nix led the Broncos to their first playoff victory since 2015.
  • The previous year, Nix became the first QB in league history to post 10-plus wins and 30-plus total touchdowns as a rookie.

The players

Drew Bledsoe

A four-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XXXVI champion quarterback who played for the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys.

Bo Nix

The Denver Broncos' starting quarterback, who is coming off a historic rookie season and a playoff win in his second year.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos, whom Bledsoe praised as his 'favorite playcaller' from their time together in Dallas.

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What they’re saying

“First of all, I have to admit that it's kind of hard for me to cheer for an Oregon Duck. They kind of had my number in college ... but I'm a big Bo Nix fan, and watching what he's done as quickly as he's done it ...”

— Drew Bledsoe, Former NFL Quarterback

“... and then, look, as a quarterback, your play caller can be your best friend, and if you got a great one, man, it makes life easy.”

— Drew Bledsoe, Former NFL Quarterback

What’s next

Nix is expected to be fully recovered from his season-ending ankle injury in time to participate in the Broncos' offseason program. With the addition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, the Broncos' offense is poised for an even stronger 2026 campaign.

The takeaway

Bledsoe's high praise for Nix and the Broncos' coaching staff highlights the importance of developing young quarterbacks through strong mentorship and scheme fit. Nix's rapid rise in the NFL has caught the attention of respected veterans, further cementing his status as a rising star in the league.