Bo Nix is striving for what every quarterback wearing orange and blue wants.
That’s living up to the standard that Denver Broncos legend John Elway set as the greatest QB in franchise history.
Elway won two Super Bowls with the Broncos on the field, a third as the GM, and is almost unanimously thought of as the best ever to put on a Broncos uniform.
So when Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph went on a podcast over the weekend and said Nix is the “future John Elway,” some heads were turned. Joseph definitely meant it as a massive compliment to Nix, but it also puts pressure on the young man.
After practice on Wednesday, Bo Nix was asked about VJ’s comments.
“That’s quite something coming from a coach like that, well respected not only in our organization, but the entire league. Obviously I know behind a statement like that comes a lot of work and responsibility, so it doesn’t just happen in year two, it doesn’t just happen overnight,” Nix said.
Right now, Nix has the Broncos at 9-2 and in control of the AFC West. Denver can also still earn the No. 1 seed. And yes, a lot of it is because of the Broncos great defense, but Nix has had some massively clutch moments as well. The team has won three games on walk-off field goals this year after he’s gotten them into range for kicker Wil Lutz.
“I gotta continue doing my part, doing my role in becoming the player that this team needs me to be. I’m definitely not going to slow down until I’m that and more,” Bo Nix said.
Obviously, it will take Super Bowls for Nix to one day even sniff the Elway conversation. He knows it’s a grind, while also having the perspective he’s nowhere close yet.
“We’re building something and we’ve got a great culture. I appreciate that statement, but definitely work behind the scenes that are gonna put some power to that statement. So, let’s definitely slow down comparing me to John Elway for now,” Nix said with a laugh.
It’s the right answer from Nix. There’s no need to put him in the same sentence as Elway, even if one day he might get there. As usual, Bo Nix handled a bit of a tricky question with class and grace.