Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, preparing for his second NFL season in 2025, has been bolstered this offseason by mentorship from future Hall of Famer Drew Brees. At the beginning of training camp in July, Broncos head coach Sean Payton disclosed that Nix actively sought advice from Brees, who played under Payton with the New Orleans Saints from 2006 to 2020.
Nix’s close work with Brees went beyond casual conversations, reflecting a deep focus on improving his craft through the veteran’s experience and insights, particularly as he strives to meet the high expectations set by Payton and the Broncos organization.
Insight Into Brees’ Intentional Approach to Mentoring Nix
Bo Nix described Drew Brees as exceptionally deliberate and thorough during their time together. He emphasized Brees’ willingness to dedicate several hours across multiple days helping him understand the game at a more profound level.
“He was so intentional,” Nix said of Brees in a Wednesday “Scoop City” clip. “A guy like that, I go and hang out with him for a couple of hours, a few days. I would understand if you didn’t want to take the time and you wanted to just get through it. I get it. You’ve got a family. You’ve got a lot. But he had lists of things like, ‘Hey, this is what I think we should do.”
Brees’ detailed preparation and candid feedback reportedly made a significant impression on Nix, who is eager to translate those lessons into tangible progress during the 2025 season.
Bo Nix Focuses on the Mental Game Behind Quarterbacking
Rather than merely memorizing plays, Nix explained that Brees helped him grasp the reasoning behind quarterback decisions, broadening his understanding of the role. A trip to train with Brees served as an eye-opener for areas where Nix still needs growth.
Things are starting to click for Bo Nix.He’s not just reciting plays. He’s learning the why behind quarterbacking — and a trip to train with Drew Brees helped him understand where he still needs to develop. pic.twitter.com/SA6zMj5yIx
In addition to practical drills, Nix valued the opportunity to observe Brees’ routine and adopt strategies that contributed to Brees’ long-standing career success. Throwing passes with the Super Bowl XLIV MVP was part of the experience, but Nix highlighted the greater importance of the mental preparation they discussed.
“Just sitting down and having a few meals with him was the best part,” the Broncos star said. “Because, I mean, you go out there and throw, and at some point we all throw. That’s not why you go hang out with a guy like that. It’s just the mental side of the game that you can make strides in. That’s what speeds your growth up.”
Nix Looking to Build on an Impressive Rookie Season
Bo Nix showed promise during his rookie year in 2024, throwing 29 touchdown passes in 17 starts, ranking sixth in the league. His efforts earned him third place in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting, trailing only Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
With Drew Brees’ guidance, Nix aims to develop further, particularly in the cerebral aspects of quarterbacking, to elevate the Broncos’ offense. Sean Payton remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, noting that the 2025 Broncos could potentially become his seventh Super Bowl-winning squad.
The Potential Impact of Brees’ Mentorship on Broncos’ Season
Bo Nix’s growth under Drew Brees’ mentorship holds significant promise for Denver’s 2025 campaign. As Nix continues to internalize Brees’ strategies and mental approaches, Broncos fans hope to see this translate into consistent on-field success. The team’s trajectory and Payton’s ambitions may well depend on how effectively Nix applies the lessons from one of the game’s greatest quarterbacks.