There was already plenty of history surrounding Bo Nix this offseason. Nix was the sixth quarterback selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft when the Denver Broncos selected him 12th overall, the first time since 1983 six QBs went in round 1.
When Nix was named the starter by the Broncos after the second 2024 preseason game, he became the first rookie to start at the position for the Broncos in Week 1 since John Elway. This week, Nix added another layer of history to his name when he was announced as a captain for the Broncos for the 2024 season.
This isn’t just a case where Broncos head coach Sean Payton gave Nix the "C" to pump up the rookie ahead of his first game, or because quarterbacks are almost always named captains. Nix was voted as a captain by his teammates, suggesting he’s already won over the Denver locker room.
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger explained that Nix being named a starter is an “anomaly,” since rookies almost never get the nod in Week 1.
“He must have GREAT leadership… It is an anomaly. It doesn’t happen often.”@BaldyNFL can’t remember the last time a rookie was named a captain like Bo Nix was today. Baldy’s very impressed with leadership. pic.twitter.com/9PnmUNjpIM
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) September 4, 2024
It’s the first time the Broncos have had a rookie serve as a team captain since 1967, when franchise bedrock player Floyd Little was given the honor. The team is certainly hoping Nix turns into a similar foundational player in the near future.
Sean Payton has never had a rookie captain in his history as an NFL head coach. The other captains selected to represent the Broncos in 2024 include wide receiver Courtland Sutton, guard Quinn Meinerz, cornerback Pat Surtain II, linebacker Alex Singleton and kicker Will Lutz.
