Broncos’ Bo Nix Gets Message That Fans Are Noticing

The Denver Broncos appear to have secured their long-term solution at quarterback with Bo Nix, who has quickly established himself as a key figure for the franchise.

Yet, Jake Plummer, a former Broncos quarterback and beloved figure from the team’s early 2000s era, suggests that both Nix and the organization still have significant steps to take for further growth. Plummer played his final four NFL seasons with Denver from 2003 to 2006, bringing a perspective shaped by his own experiences leading the team.

In a recent discussion, Plummer shared straightforward opinions on how Nix can refine his game and what the Broncos should prioritize to support their young signal-caller. He stressed that the team must make Nix the central focus as they shape their roster moves this offseason and in the seasons ahead.

Plummer, selected 42nd overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, pointed out a standout quality in Nix by saying he possesses “the clutch gene.”

During the 2025 regular season, Nix topped the league with seven game-winning drives, a feat Plummer attributed directly to the player’s innate abilities rather than coaching influence.

“You can’t coach that,” Plummer said. “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 put together a solid statistical campaign in his second NFL year, completing 63.4% of his passes for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions across a league-high 612 attempts. According to Stathead data, since joining the league, he ranks first in total attempts, second in completions, fifth in passing yards, and seventh in touchdown passes.

Plummer highlighted Nix’s arm talent and precision, noting his ability to deliver throws effectively whether his feet are planted or on the move. Still, he identified a specific area where the quarterback could make meaningful strides with additional seasoning in the pros.

“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’s comments reflect optimism about Nix’s foundation while underscoring the importance of decisiveness and anticipation—skills that often sharpen through repetition and film study at the professional level. If the Broncos heed Plummer’s advice and continue building around their quarterback, the future could hold sustained success for the team in the competitive AFC West.

Overall, the endorsement from a former franchise icon like Plummer adds weight to the narrative that Denver has found its quarterback of the present and future in Bo Nix, provided both player and organization commit to targeted development.