Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton lauded quarterback Bo Nix for seeking help from NFL legend Drew Brees ahead of training camp.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix had a stellar rookie campaign last season, and he is keen on producing even better numbers now that he has gotten his feet wet in the NFL. But as the Broncos started training camp, he will be the first to say that he has to iron out several facets of his game.
In his pursuit of becoming a more well-rounded player, Nix approached someone who could fully understand him: A fellow signal-caller.
In a report from ESPN's Jeff Legwold, Broncos coach Sean Payton revealed that the 25-year-old Nix had a week-long visit with NFL legend Drew Brees in San Diego.
“(Nix) is someone who works his tail off and wants to improve. He's gone and visited Brees for four or five days,” said Payton. “There's a lot he wants to absorb in a fast period of time, and that's a great thing for a young player like that.”
Brees is quite familiar with the system of Payton, having played for him during their time with the New Orleans Saints. They won the Super Bowl in 2010 after beating the Indianapolis Colts.
Nix, meanwhile, passed for 29 touchdowns in his first year, just two shy of the rookie record of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. He steered the Broncos to the playoffs to end an eight-year drought.
Clearly, Nix acknowledges that he can learn from the legends that paved the way for him. For sure, the 46-year-old Brees, with his long list of accomplishments, offered invaluable wisdom.
“It was reaching out, coordinating some time to dive into the offense,” added Payton. “That's what you're looking for, wanting to know more about the offense. It was (Nix) doing more research at the position.”
Aside from being a champion, Brees was also a Super Bowl MVP, a two-time Offensive Player of the Year, a 13-time Pro Bowler, a five-time All-Pro member, and a seven-time passing yards leader, among a multitude of accolades.
Darren Sproles to begin coaching internship with Broncos
According to Jordan Lopez, former Saints running back/returner Darren Sproles is getting back into some NFL action. He's set to start a coaching internship with Sean Payton next fall. Sproles was known for his small size but massive impact for New Orleans while Payton was the team's head coach.
The Broncos HC recently interviewed with The Athletic 's Dianna Russini and Chase Daniel. Payton was asked, "if he could take one of his former players and put him on his current roster, who would he choose?" His answer was a bit surprising.
Payton chose Sproles. That's a bold choice over a multitude of Pro Bowl talents that have dawned the black and gold over the years. It's clear he has a ton of respect for the former Saints playmaker.
Denver just drafted RB R.J. Harvey, but adding Sproles gives a team so much versatility. The pick makes som sense, undoubtedly. Sproles was a fantastic pass catcher in the receiving game, and he also played a major special teams role in New Orleans and his other stops around the NFL.
Regardless, it will be cool for Saints fans to see Sproles on the sidelines as a coach one day. We could even possibly see a return to New Orleans for him on their staff at some point. Only time will tell.
