Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
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Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a win against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Denver Broncos have their quarterback of the present and future in Bo Nix.
However, former Broncos franchise legend and quarterback Jake Plummer believes there remains room for improvement on both sides of that equation.
Plummer, who spent the final four seasons of his playing career (2003 through 2006) with the Broncos, offered candid thoughts on what Nix must do to elevate himself and the franchise, and what the organization can do to help him.
‘The Snake’ Delivers Clear Message on Bo Nix
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after defeating the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Plummer made it clear that Nix must be treated as the Broncos’ top priority as they fine-tune their roster this offseason and beyond. If “The Snake’s” [Plummer] assessment holds, there will be many years to come for Nix in a Broncos uniform.
The former 42nd overall pick of the 1997 draft, Plummer believes Nix has “the clutch gene.”
Nix, the 12th pick in 2024, led the NFL with seven game-winning drives during the 2025 regular season, and Plummer made sure that credit went to him, not Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
“You can’t coach that,” Plummer told Casino Guru’s Kyle Odegard in an interview published on March 2. “Coach Payton has no recipe for that. Coach Payton isn’t a good coach at all when it comes to a clutch gene, because there is no coach that can coach that. That comes from the player. That comes from the DNA inside Bo. Certain guys just have it.”
Nix completed 63.4% of his passes for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions on a league-leading 612 attempts in the regular season. He is first in attempts, second in completions, fifth in yards, and seventh in touchdowns since entering the league, per Stathead.
Bo Nix Must Be Quicker
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos looks on before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Plummer was also clear about what Nix can do to be even better than he has been so far, and it could come with more NFL experience.
“He can throw the ball anywhere, any way, and he’s very accurate when his feet are set and when his feet are not set,” Plummer said. “Multiple times this year we saw him (hesitate) and then go to the same guy. Then it’s not as good of a play. It’s batted down, or it’s just a reception instead of a catch and turn, those big plays we were lacking. That, I think, is really the thing I would love to see him advance on. That’s what I would be working on if I was him.
“Otherwise, the kid’s clutch. He scrambles, is smart with the ball. He’s way smarter with the ball than I ever was, even in Year 2. There is not much he needs to improve upon, other than getting the ball out on time and even anticipating more.”
Plummer said Nix was “unproven” and doubted entering the league, citing former quarterback coach Davis Webb, who was promoted to offensive coordinator this offseason, as the key.
To Plummer, retaining Webb was critical for Nix and the Broncos.
Webb is also taking over play-calling duties from Payton, which Plummer believes can help Nix work through his progressions more quickly. Plummer also urged the Broncos to add weapons. If that is the case, Nix and the Broncos will be talking extension sooner rather than later.
Bo Nix Making Noteworthy Progress After Injury
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos looks on before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Nix has received glowing reviews from many of his Broncos predecessors, so Plummer’s remarks come as no surprise. However, Nix has piqued interest in recent days amid major personal news.
Nix and his wife, Izzy Nix, welcomed their daughter last week.
The couple posted on Instagram, celebrating the addition, but the Broncos’ QB drew attention for his appearance.
“Bo is no longer in any sort of cast/brace and is walking completely on his own after surgery on his right ankle,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens posted on X on March 4, sharing a screenshotted image of the post, which showed Nix carrying his daughter in the carseat.
Nix suffered the injury, a broken bone in his ankle, during the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Nix utilized a scooter around the team facilities when the season first ended. His wife shared a video of him at home utilizing it to check the mail just a few weeks ago.
The Broncos have expected Nix to make a full recovery in time for training camp. He is making marked progress. That is good news for Nix and the Broncos as they look to continue building around him this offseason.