When Bo Nix walked into the Denver Broncos locker room on October 20, 2025, he didn’t just bring his playbook—he brought a new rule: no more scrolling, no more replies, no more noise. "For me it's quite simple, I delete my social media," he told reporters at the UCHealth Training Center in Englewood, Colorado. It wasn’t a tantrum. It wasn’t a PR stunt. It was survival. And for a quarterback drowning in criticism, it might be the only thing keeping him sane.
The Weight of a Rookie’s Second Season
Bo Nix entered the NFL in 2024 as a first-round pick, a polished passer out of Auburn with a calm demeanor and a strong arm. Fans in Denver saw flashes of brilliance—tight-window throws, clutch drives, poise under pressure. By season’s end, he’d thrown for 2,812 yards with 17 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions. His off-target rate? A respectable 14.2%. He wasn’t elite, but he was promising. Then came 2025. The offense stalled. The line broke down. The receivers dropped passes. But the blame? It landed squarely on Nix. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, through Week 12, Nix was off-target on 18.5% of his throws—185 out of every 1,000 attempts. That ranked him 30th out of 32 qualifying quarterbacks. The numbers didn’t lie. And the internet? It screamed."I Delete My Social Media"
The breaking point didn’t come after a loss. It came after a win. On November 3, 2025, the Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-20 at Empower Field at Mile High. It was their first AFC West victory of the season. Fans cheered. Players hugged. But online? The comments section was a warzone. "Still can’t throw a spiral." "He’s the reason we’re 4-7." "Trade him for a bucket of chickens." That’s when Justin Lamar Simmons, the Broncos’ All-Pro safety and team leader, snapped. In a rare public statement, Simmons told local reporters: "You don’t know him. You don’t know the work he puts in. You don’t know the hours he spends watching film after we’re all gone. Don’t you dare reduce him to a highlight reel." But Nix? He didn’t need to respond. He’d already done it—by deleting everything.
What the Experts Are Saying
Enter Colin Michael Cowherd. On October 10, 2025, the Fox Sports 1 host dropped a bomb on his YouTube show, "The Herd," filmed in Los Angeles, California. "I defend his work ethic," Cowherd said. "I think he’s got the physical tools. But I wouldn’t pay him. Not a penny beyond his rookie deal." It wasn’t a personal attack. It was a business assessment. Cowherd’s point? The Broncos’ offense, built around Nix’s current skill set, can’t compete for a title. The 18.5% inaccuracy rate? That’s not a blip. That’s a structural flaw. And in a league where elite quarterbacks command $40 million a year, Nix’s 2025 performance doesn’t justify a long-term investment.The Ripple Effect
This isn’t just about one quarterback. It’s about culture. Merchandise sales for Nix’s No. 12 jersey are down 12% compared to 2024. Season ticket renewals are lagging. Local businesses near Empower Field report slower foot traffic on game days. Even the team’s social media team, once proud of Nix’s rising popularity, now avoids tagging him in promotional posts. Meanwhile, the Broncos’ front office, led by General Manager George Paton, is quietly evaluating options. The deadline to exercise Nix’s fifth-year contract option? May 3, 2026. If they decline, Nix becomes a free agent after the season. If they pick it up, they’re betting $18–20 million on a player who’s been statistically worse than 30 of 32 NFL starters this year.
What’s Next?
The Broncos have three paths: develop Nix further, trade him before the 2026 draft, or draft a new QB with the 14th overall pick. The latter seems increasingly likely. Scouts are already circling potential replacements like Jaxson Dart and Cam Ward. Nix, meanwhile, lives in quiet. No Twitter. No Instagram. No TikTok. He watches film. He lifts. He talks to coaches. He doesn’t read the headlines. He doesn’t need to. "I can’t control what people say," he told ESPN in July. "But I can control what I do. And what I do? I show up." That’s not a quote for the headlines. It’s a mantra for the locker room.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bo Nix delete his social media?
Bo Nix deleted his social media in October 2025 to shield himself from relentless criticism tied to his 18.5% off-target throw rate, which ranked 30th among 32 NFL quarterbacks. The constant online abuse, even after wins, was affecting his mental focus and emotional well-being. He chose silence over engagement, telling ESPN, "For me it's quite simple, I delete my social media."
How has his performance compared to his rookie season?
In his 2024 rookie season, Nix had a 14.2% off-target rate on pass attempts, considered solid for a first-year QB. By Week 12 of the 2025 season, that number spiked to 18.5%, a 30% increase in inaccuracy. He also saw a 17% drop in completion percentage and a 22% rise in pressure-sacked rate, indicating growing struggles under duress and decision-making under stress.
Who defended Bo Nix publicly during the 2025 season?
Safety Justin Lamar Simmons publicly defended Nix after the Broncos’ 27-20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on November 3, 2025. Though he didn’t quote social media comments directly, Simmons told Denver media that Nix’s work ethic and film study were "unseen by fans" and that online critics "don’t know the real person behind the stats."
What does Colin Cowherd think about Bo Nix’s future?
Colin Michael Cowherd acknowledged Nix’s physical talent and work ethic but firmly stated he would "not pay him" beyond his rookie contract. Cowherd’s position, aired October 10, 2025, reflects a broader NFL consensus: Nix’s 2025 stats don’t justify a long-term financial commitment, especially with the Broncos facing a 2026 draft class rich in QB talent.
What’s the deadline for the Broncos to decide on Nix’s contract?
The Denver Broncos must decide whether to exercise Bo Nix’s fifth-year option by May 3, 2026. If they decline, he becomes a free agent after the 2025 season. If they pick it up, they’re locked into a $18–20 million salary for 2026—despite his 2025 performance being statistically below league average for starting quarterbacks.
How has fan sentiment changed since 2024?
Fan sentiment has shifted dramatically. Through November 15, 2025, merchandise sales featuring Nix’s No. 12 jersey dropped 12% compared to 2024. Local media reported a 9% decline in season ticket renewals and reduced attendance at team-sponsored events. The once-promising rookie has become a lightning rod for frustration, even as teammates like Justin Simmons continue to defend him privately and publicly.
