Bo Nix had a chance to become a Pro Bowler, but instead opted out.
The Broncos rookie quarterback was offered a spot in this week’s Pro Bowl activities after Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Buffalo’s Josh Allen dropped out and first alternate Patrick Mahomes advanced to his fifth Super Bowl appearance in six years. However, Nix had to pass on the opportunity because of a previously scheduled medical procedure, a source confirmed.
The source characterized the procedure as minor but did not specify what it was. It is scheduled for Wednesday, the day that Pro Bowl festivities begin.
Nix was the fourth alternate, but did not want to delay his mapped-out offseason routine.
New England’s Drake Maye and Pittsburgh’s Russell Wilson were added to the AFC roster on Tuesday. Maye joins Jayden Daniels as the only rookie quarterbacks who will participate in Orlando, Fla.
Nix outperformed Maye and Wilson, posting the best rookie season in Broncos history. Over the final 13 regular season games, Nix threw for 28 touchdowns with eight interceptions, while completing 68.3% of his passes. Nix is a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year at the NFL Honors ceremony on Feb. 6 in New Orleans, an award Daniels is expected to win.
While Nix started every game, Maye joined the Patriots starting lineup after the first month, posting a 3-9 record with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Wilson, the Broncos’ quarterback the previous two seasons before getting released, delivered 16 touchdowns with five picks in 11 starts.
Nix, who turns 25 next month, helped the Broncos snap their eight-year playoff drought and streak of seven consecutive losing seasons. He won AFC Offensive Player of the Week twice for his performances against the Falcons and Chiefs. He combined to complete 54 of 62 passes for eight touchdowns and no turnovers in those victories.
9News was the first to report that Nix declined the Pro Bowl offer.
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