Former Auburn, Oregon star Bo Nix named ASWA Pro Athlete of the Year

When the Denver Broncos selected Bo Nix in the first round of the NFL draft, the reaction was largely skeptical. Critics questioned his value, his potential, and whether he truly warranted the 12th overall pick, with many pundits suggesting he had the most to prove among his rookie quarterback class.

Rising Above the Critics

Fast forward to the present, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. Nix has officially been named the 2025 Professional Athlete of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Even opposing stars have taken notice; by week 10 of his rookie season, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes approached Broncos head coach Sean Payton to offer a simple, high-praise assessment of the former Pinson Valley standout: "You got one."

Proving His Worth

In just two NFL seasons, the former Auburn and Oregon star has established himself as a legitimate force. During his rookie campaign, he led the Broncos to their first playoff berth since 2015, tallying 3,375 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. He followed that up with a strong 2025 season, throwing for 3,391 yards and 26 touchdowns while leading the Broncos to a 15-3 record as a starter. While his impressive season was briefly stalled by a broken ankle during a playoff victory against Buffalo, his impact in Denver is undeniable.

A Legacy of Competition

Nix's collegiate resume provided a clear roadmap for his pro success. After starting his career at Auburn under Gus Malzahn and Bryan Harsin, he moved to Oregon, where he earned Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. By the time he left the NCAA, he held the record for most starts in college history with 61 appearances.

Off the field, the off-season has been a time of joy for the Nix family. Bo and his wife Izzy, a former Auburn cheerleader, welcomed their daughter, Riley Belle, on February 25. Reflecting on his journey in a recent open letter to his daughter for The Players' Tribune, Nix shared how he moved past the doubt of his critics.

"I’ve learned that the chip can’t become your identity," Nix wrote. "I don’t play for approval. I play for a higher purpose."

Honors and Recognition

The Alabama Sports Writers Association will formally honor Nix at their annual convention on June 14 at 7 p.m. at Jacksonville State University. The event is presented by the Panini Senior Bowl, ALFA Insurance, the Alabama High School Athletic Association, the Mobile Sports Authority, the Paul W. Bryant Museum, and Jacksonville State University.