Sean Payton reminds everyone that Bo Nix won 14 games last season

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton had his first press conference on training camp on Wednesday.

And of course, QB Bo Nix is going to be a topic of discussion.

Nix had two surgeries this offseason after breaking his ankle in the divisional round of the playoffs against the Bills. He couldn’t play in the AFC Title Game and his absence likely cost the Broncos a trip to the Super Bowl.

Payton was asked about “next steps” for Nix entering year three in the NFL and he had a great reminder that Nix won a ton in year two.

“The next step is kind of cliche. I mean, he just finished winning 14 games and having a really good season. Do I think he’s going to continue to improve? Yes,” Sean Payton said.

That’s Payton’s way of telling everyone not sleep on Nix. He was a full participant on Wednesday, running team drills and going through a normal practice.

Clearly, Payton wants the ankle chatter to be a thing of the past and everyone to focus on the future. He went on to praise Nix and continue to look ahead.

“Man, I’m pleased with the shape he’s in. The timeline relative to everything we’ve discussed injury wise is falling into place. It’s good to have him back out there in the team periods,” Payton said.

He also added it’s not all on Nix for the offense to be a smooth operation in 2026.

“I think there’s certain areas for us offensively that can help with the quarterback, you know, a consistent run game throughout the year. There’s some things we can do to help him. We’re off and getting started,” Sean Payton said,

The health of J.K. Dobbins will be important, as well the growth of RJ Harvey in his second NFL season and whatever rookie Jonah Coleman can offer in the running backs room.

But even with some lists around the country ranking Nix anywhere from the 18th-20 best QB in the league, Sean Payton wanted to make it clear that at the very start of another long season he believes in his quarterback.

And with Nix coming off a highly successful 2025 campaign, so should the rest of Broncos Country.

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