Sean Payton, the head coach of the Denver Broncos, has made a significant choice that he was hesitant to announce just days prior.

On Wednesday, Payton confirmed that rookie Bo Nix will be stepping in as the starting quarterback for the team.

Nix, who was selected as the 12th overall pick in the NFL draft this past April, demonstrated his skills by completing eight out of nine passes for 80 yards and one touchdown during Sunday’s preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. Despite his impressive performance, Payton was not ready to make a call on the quarterback race featuring Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson immediately after.

However, by Wednesday, Payton felt confident enough to reveal his decision.

“We aren’t rushing to make these kinds of choices. We want to truly observe it,” Payton stated. “It’s essential for the team’s sake to approach it this way. His displays have been remarkable.”

Nix only learned about the announcement just before Wednesday’s practice.

“It was a really exciting moment,” Nix mentioned. “Receiving that news isn’t something that happens every day. We’ve all been working hard, showcasing positive performances both in practice and on film.”

Nix is taking over the position from Russell Wilson, who was let go after a couple of seasons and left the team with a hefty $85 million dead-cap penalty. This marks Nix as the first rookie quarterback to start in Week 1 since John Elway did so back in 1983.

“It’s definitely an honor to share this moment with a legendary player like John Elway,” Nix shared with the media. “Your first start’s timing doesn’t matter. Whether it’s now or later, all you aim for is to go out there, secure a win, and compete at a high standard.”

As part of a historic draft class that included six quarterbacks selected in the first round, Nix will become the third rookie quarterback to start in Week 1, along with Caleb Williams from the Chicago Bears and Jayden Daniels from the Washington Commanders.

In 2023, Nix set a record for the Football Bowl Subdivision with a 77.4% completion rate while playing at Oregon, earning him a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist. After transferring from Auburn and spending his final two college years with the Ducks, he also set a record for most career starts with 61.

The Denver Broncos will kick off their season against the Seattle Seahawks on September 8.