“Being beaten at his own game.” That’s exactly what happened when Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, fresh off signing a $220 million contract extension, found himself outshined by Denver Broncos rookie Bo Nix during a joint practice. Instead of sulking though, Love chose to pass the torch – or in this case, the playbook.

Love, who spent three years learning from Aaron Rodgers, recognized a bit of himself in Nix. After practice, Love gushed about the rookie to reporters, offering words of wisdom that could shape the Broncos’ future. “I’m a big supporter of B Nix,” Love said, “and I wish him all the best this year.” This goodwill gesture came despite Love’s struggles during the practice, where his offense went four-and-out in the final two-minute drill.

Love’s advice to Nix echoed his journey: “He’s in it for the long journey, you know, to keep just stepping up and get better every day.” This mentorship moment highlighted the often-overlooked camaraderie among NFL quarterbacks, even as they compete for starting positions and accolades.

Love’s support for Nix comes with a touch of irony, given the stark contrast in their recent performances. While Love struggled in the joint practice, Nix has been turning heads. As Broncos legend Mark Schlereth colorfully put it on The Herd with Colin Cowherd earlier this month, “Everything that Russell Wilson wasn’t last year for Sean Payton, Bo Nix was.” This comparison to a seasoned NFL veteran underscores the impact Nix has already made.

The practice session served as a reminder that in the NFL, yesterday’s backup can become tomorrow’s $55 million man – a trajectory both Love and Nix hope to follow. Love’s advice applies to the ongoing education of NFL quarterbacks, where lessons are often learned in the crucible of competition.

Meanwhile, Love’s situation mirrors the pressure Nix might face. Former Jets receiver Plaxico Burress recently made a bold prediction about Love on “The Carton Show”: “I believe that this young man is on the trajectory to be the next great quarterback in this league.” Burress added, “The Green Bay Packers are going to make this man the highest-paid quarterback in football.” These lofty expectations make Love’s struggles in the joint practice all the more significant.

The practice wasn’t without drama. A brief skirmish erupted after what was initially thought to be a hit on Love’s throwing arm. Love, however, cleared the air post-practice as per Packers Wire: “I was going to throw and I think Zach Tom got pushed and hit my shoulder. I don’t think it was anything with the D-line or anything like that. I think just friendly fire.” This incident highlights the intensity of joint practices and the protective instincts teams have for their quarterbacks.

Jordan Love’s humbling experience with Bo Nix!

While Love was busy playing mentor, his performance raised eyebrows – and not in a good way. The Packers’ offense sputtered against the Broncos’ defense, managing only one yard in their first two-minute drill attempt. Love admitted as per WTMJ-TV Milwaukee, “It wasn’t our best day productivity-wise,” a stark understatement given the expectations surrounding Green Bay’s $220 million man.

Meanwhile, Nix was lighting it up like a Fourth of July fireworks show. He went 15-of-21 for 125 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut against the Colts, prompting Broncos head coach Sean Payton to draw comparisons to a young Drew Brees. “I used to say this all the time,” Payton mused, “‘The sack numbers are a reflection more on the quarterback than the offensive line.’ Brees was one of those guys. He was a tough sack. The ball came out, and I think Bo has traits like that.”

Nix’s teammates are already singing his praises. Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton observed, “I think he handled it really well. Had a lot of poise, a lot of control. The moment wasn’t too big for him. The moments are only going to get bigger.” This vote of confidence from a veteran receiver suggests that Nix’s impressive preseason performance wasn’t a fluke.

The contrast between Love’s practice struggles and Nix’s preseason heroics serves as a stark reminder of the NFL’s fickle nature. One day you’re the $220 million golden boy, the next you’re taking advice from a rookie who’s playing like a seasoned vet. As Packers center Josh Myers put it to WTMJ-TV Milwaukee, “We’re going to have to keep pushing and keep making steps forward and keep getting better as a team.”

In the end, Love’s willingness to mentor Nix despite his struggles speaks volumes about his character. It’s a reminder that in the NFL, as in life, sometimes the best way to learn is to teach.