The Denver Broncos’ quarterback competition has taken center stage this preseason, and head coach Sean Payton made headlines this week by issuing a bold challenge to rookie quarterback Bo Nix: keep “firing” if he wants to seize the starting job.

Nix, the former Oregon standout selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has impressed coaches and teammates with his poise, accuracy, and leadership during training camp. However, Payton has made it clear that the Broncos are not simply handing him the reins. Veteran quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson remain in the mix, and Payton’s comments suggest that the battle is far from over.

“We drafted Bo for a reason,” Payton told reporters after practice on Sunday. “He’s got the tools, he’s smart, and he’s picking up the system well. But this league doesn’t wait for anybody. I’ve told him directly: keep firing. Don’t play safe, don’t get tentative. Show us that you’re ready to command the huddle and push the ball down the field.”

The message reflects Payton’s reputation as a coach who demands aggressiveness and creativity from his quarterbacks. Known for his offensive brilliance during his years with the New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees, Payton wants to see whether Nix can bring that same edge to Denver’s struggling offense. The Broncos finished near the bottom of the league in scoring last season, a major reason why the team invested in a potential franchise quarterback.

Nix himself welcomed the challenge, telling media members that he thrives under pressure. “Coach Payton’s been clear with me since day one,” Nix said. “This is about earning it. I don’t want anything handed to me. I’m here to compete, to learn, and to keep firing like he says. Every rep is an opportunity to prove I belong.”

Teammates have taken notice of Nix’s mentality as well. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton praised the rookie’s confidence in the huddle, while left tackle Garett Bolles said the offensive line has already developed trust in his decision-making. Still, as Payton has emphasized, consistency will be key as preseason games begin.

The Broncos’ quarterback carousel in recent years has been well-documented. Since Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2016, Denver has cycled through over a dozen starters, from Trevor Siemian to Russell Wilson. With Wilson now out of the picture after a disappointing tenure, the franchise is desperate to stabilize the most important position on the field.

Payton’s challenge to Nix underscores just how high the stakes are. The Broncos believe they have a playoff-caliber defense and enough offensive weapons to contend in the AFC West. But without a steady hand at quarterback, success will be difficult to achieve in a division dominated by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

For now, the spotlight remains squarely on Nix. The rookie has the talent and the opportunity, but as his head coach made clear, he will need to keep firing if he wants to silence the doubters and secure the starting role.