FedEx has been one of Roger Goodell’s NFL’s longest-serving partners. For the last 20 years, it has been dishing out weekly awards for QB and running backs throughout the season. And with the regular season coming to an end last week, Denver’s rookie QB Bo Nix and Detroit’s RB Jahmyr Gibbs were presented with the award for their exceptional productions in week 18. See, what makes that award more special is that FedEx will now donate a large sum to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Yeah, that’s right. This thing has been going on for almost two decades. After, fans are asked to vote for their top FedEx Air and Ground performers of the week. In the name of each winner, the NFL’s official delivery partner donates $2,000 to HBCUs. Now, this isn’t just limited to the regular season. This partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) goes on throughout the season. Over $100,000 is generated for selected HBCUs for their various scholarship programs.

See, before 2024, this award was only presented to QBs and running backs. The wide receivers and tight ends were simply excluded from this prestigious award. However, in a landmark decision before the start of this season, FedEx expanded the range of players to include wideouts and tight ends. So, what did FedEx do to announce its historic expansion?

Well, they asked Hall of Famer receiver, Jerry Rice, to spread the word, “We’re back in it. It’s about time, man. I’m serious. Why receivers and tight ends? It’s always been quarterbacks and running backs. So, we are back in the mix. This is one wide receiver award I missed out on.” Besides confessing his happiness with WRs and TEs finally getting their recognition from FedEx, Rice also expressed his gratitude for what FedEx is doing for HBCUs: “I love what FedEx is doing overall because they give $100,000 towards scholarships for students every year. And coming from an HBCU, man. It’s just something I will never forget.”

While Rice will never forget FedEx’s commitment to HBCUs, someone else in Denver will also not forget the season he just had. And we are talking about none other than the last FedEx award winner, Bo Nix.

Bo Nix clinches the Broncos golden ticket to the playoffs in style

What a sensational regular rookie season the former Oregon Ducks QB Bo Nix just had for the Broncos. After moving on from Russell Wilson and picking Nix as their 12th overall this season. Did anyone really think that Nix would be such a huge hit in Denver? That, too, in his rookie year. Well, probably not. As Nix didn’t just win FedEx’s Player of the Week award for his performance against the Chiefs in week 18. He also won the hearts of Denver for whatever he has put on the gridiron to date.

With the playoffs on the line, Nix showed what he can do in big-game situations. Some of you could probably be arguing that the Chiefs didn’t play any of their starters. But still, as the leader at the center, you are expected to produce no matter whom you come up against. And the 24-year-old did that superbly. As he completed 26 of his 29 passes for 321 yards while scoring 4 TDs. He also became the first rookie QB in the NFL’s 104 history to record consecutive games with at least 300 passing yards.

His presence in Mile High City was so significant that the Broncos went on to clinch their first postseason since Super Bowl 50. And with the playoffs in the coming weeks, more of the same is expected of Nix. Let’s see how far he can take Denver on his first season in the NFL.