Former NFL standout quarterback Peyton Manning weighs in on Bo Nix's situation with Denver Broncos

Former Auburn and Oregon quarterback Bo Nix was one of the more polarizing quarterbacks heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, with some viewing him as one of the greatest comeback stories the transfer portal has had to offer, while others see him as no more than a game manager.

With something to prove and a perhaps a bit of a chip on his shoulder given the narrative surrounding him, Nix has many notable figures who are betting on him after he was selected at 12th overall in the first round.

Former Broncos signal-caller, and one of the greatest players in NFL history, Peyton Manning believes that Nix is on the right path in a good situation.

He has experienced watching Nix up close as he attended the Manning Passing Academy, an event in Thibodaux, Louisiana, that several of the nation's best quarterbacks come to every year.

"(Bo Nix) and I stayed in touch," Manning said in a recent interview. "He actually won the National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete Award this year, which I won when I was in college. I was there at the banquet and got a picture with Bo. I remember just talking to Bo when he was thinking about transferring... I'm super happy for him to be here... I can tell how excited (head coach) Sean Payton is to have Bo here."

Under Payton, Nix enters one of the most questionable quarterback rooms in the league as a likely Day 1 starter in competition with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson.

Manning seems to see it being a good fit for Nix and gives something of an advantage with a system that caters to the passer.

"I think Sean's system is extremely quarterback-friendly. I never played in it, but I played against it and watched it. I know the success that Drew Brees had and that Tony Romo had. It's the kind of system I'd like to play in."

Like all quarterbacks making the leap in their rookie year, getting NFL reps under his belt will best serve Nix's progression.

"Being out there on the field, you just learn more things than sitting on the sideline," he said. "Any quarterback will tell you that. When that happens for Bo and these quarterbacks. I do think experience is your best teacher."