The Broncos’ 31-13 win over the Colts in week 15 was just… amazing. A dilemma-laden game for Peyton Manning, watching his two exes square off—each on opposite growth trajectories. And then there were their QBs.

That W for the Broncos was the highlight, indeed. But if we take it up a notch, let’s be real—that 93-yard touchdown bomb was the real moment. You don’t just call that play from your own end zone unless you trust your QB with your life. And Bo Nix? He delivered on Sean Payton’s trust to the fullest—so much so that even Peyton Manning couldn’t hold back his excitement.

“Bo’s in a great situation because of Sean Payton’s system,” Manning said before the game. He wasn’t just hyping up the rookie—he was calling it like he saw it. And as the season unfolded, he was absolutely right.

Now, this is the part where Colts fans might start shifting uncomfortably. Because while the Broncos were rolling, Anthony Richardson was stuck in the ultimate QB limbo. One minute, he’s the future of the franchise. The next? He’s watching Joe Flacco take his job. From shoulder surgery to a brutal week 9 benching, Richardson’s Sophomore Slump was real!

And then, as if the football gods were driving home the point, Manning himself dropped a little wisdom mid-broadcast: “Never take being the starting quarterback for granted.” You think Richardson heard that loud and clear? Probably. Did it help the Colts that night? Not even a little. But if we’re talking long-term lessons, this one hit home. Because while Richardson was figuring things out on the sidelines, Bo Nix was thriving in a system built to make life easier for a young QB.

Fast forward, and Manning doubled down on his praise for Nix. “Bo played great,” he said, while adding, “Some of these rookie quarterbacks … had two different play-callers in the first year.” Caleb Williams, mainly. Then there’s the case of Drake Maye as well (in a chaotic system).

But Bo? Per Peyton, “He benefited from a good system with Sean and good rapport with his receivers and played at a real high level.” Translation? Stability matters. And Nix had it in spades.

Let’s talk numbers. Nix started all 18 games (including the Wild Card loss to the Bills), setting team records for wins (10), completions (376), passing yards (3,775), and touchdowns (29). He snagged three Rookie of the Week honors, two AFC Player of the Week nods, and was the October Rookie of the Month. Not bad for a guy some doubted could make the transition from Oregon to the NFL.

Sure, the playoff loss to Buffalo stung, but the Broncos made their first postseason appearance since 2015. That’s a win in itself.

Meanwhile, Sean Payton’s offense did exactly what Manning said it would. Quick, efficient throws? Check. Playmakers in space? Check. A system that let Nix grow instead of drowning him in chaos? Absolutely. It’s the same blueprint that made Drew Brees a Hall of Famer. And now, it’s working for Nix.

And here’s the kicker—Nix even turned down a Pro Bowl invite for an injury procedure. No victory lap, no ego trip. Just handling business. Manning, of all people, can respect that. Clearly, he does.

Peyton Manning can understand Bo Nix’s pro-bowl absence

Bo Nix had the invite. A Pro Bowl nod in his rookie year? That’s the kind of résumé booster most quarterbacks would take in a heartbeat. But instead of heading to Orlando to rub elbows with Joe Burrow and Co., Nix chose the operating table. As reported, it was due to a “routine and minor, cleanup procedure.”

No word on what exactly got cleaned up, but considering Nix played through a transverse process fracture in his back in 2eek 12, it’s not hard to connect the dots. Would Peyton Manning have liked to see him there? Absolutely.

“I wish he could have come down here,” he said. “I think this would have benefited him to be around pros like Joe Burrow. Anyway, [he had a] great first year, and sky’s the limit for him.” Classic Manning—part encouragement, part “hey kid, you’re missing out.” After all, he knows firsthand what the Pro Bowl experience can do for a young quarterback. Not once, twice… but 12 TIMES!

So, yeah, it’s a missed opportunity. But Nix had a bigger picture in mind.

Broncos fans should appreciate this move. The Pro Bowl is cool, but it’s also a glorified skills showcase. Nix wasn’t chasing a Wikipedia stat. He was making sure he’d be 100% when OTAs and training camp roll around. That’s the real priority. Denver’s first playoff QB since Manning himself wasn’t about to risk lingering issues over a weekend in Florida.

He’ll have more chances to make the Pro Bowl. This wasn’t a once-in-a-lifetime shot.

At the end of the day, this is the kind of decision that defines Nix. He’s not about the flash—he’s about the long game. Broncos fans spent nearly a decade searching for the next guy post-Manning. Looks like they finally found him. And something tells us he’ll have plenty of chances to mingle with the league’s best in the years to come. What do you say?