Nix determined to bounce back after 'most devastating' injury
Denver Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix expressed his shock and heartbreak in his first public comments since being ruled out of the playoffs due to a fractured ankle suffered in the divisional round but delivered a message of hope to the team's fans.
"The last few days have been hard to put into words," Nix posted Wednesday on Instagram. "What started as one of the most exciting games I've ever been a part of ended with some of the most devastating football news I've ever received. This is not how I imagined my season would come to an end, but our season has been defined by overcoming adversity and responding to it."
Nix fractured his right ankle a few plays before Wil Lutz kicked the game-winning 23-yard field goal in overtime Saturday, sending the Broncos past the Buffalo Bills and into the AFC Championship Game. The second-year passer underwent surgery in Alabama on Tuesday.
Head coach Sean Payton said the procedure went well, per Broncos Wire's Jon Heath.
Nix was instrumental in helping Denver earn the AFC's No. 1 seed, passing for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and completing 63.4% of his passes in his second season.
Jarrett Stidham will start for the Broncos in Sunday's matchup against the New England Patriots. Although it'll be just Stidham's fifth career start, Nix backed his teammate.
"I couldn't be more confident in Jarrett. And I couldn't be more excited for what's next," Nix said in his post.
Denver is attempting to reach the franchise's first Super Bowl since the 2015 season.