On a Sunday night that felt more like a college reunion than an NFL showdown, Bo Nix and Marcus Mariota-two quarterbacks with Oregon roots-delivered a thriller that reminded fans why football is as much about legacy as it is about wins and losses. The Denver Broncos edged out the Washington Commanders 27-26 in overtime, but the night was about more than just the scoreboard. It was a full-circle moment for Nix, who grew up idolizing Mariota, and finally got the chance to share the field with the quarterback who helped shape his football dreams.
Let’s start with Mariota, who stepped in for the injured Jayden Daniels and nearly pulled off a comeback win for Washington. He was sharp, poised, and-true to form-unshakably composed.
The Commanders had a chance to win it on a two-point conversion in overtime, but the pass was batted down at the line. Game over.
Still, Mariota’s performance stood out, not just because of what he did on the field, but because of what it meant off of it.
“He deserves to go out there and perform at that level,” Nix said after the game. “You almost wish both teams could win a game like that.”
That’s not just postgame politeness. That’s admiration talking.
Nix didn’t just grow up watching Mariota-he studied him. He saw Mariota turn Oregon into a national brand, win the program’s only Heisman Trophy, and redefine what a dual-threat quarterback could look like in college football.
For a young kid in elementary school, that kind of excellence sticks.
“When he was at Oregon, I was back in elementary grade school, loved watching him play,” Nix said. “He was one of the best quarterbacks of his time, of his generation, definitely of mine.”
And now, here they were-two Ducks, two eras, two quarterbacks leading their teams on primetime. But this wasn’t the first time they’d connected.
Nix recalled meeting Mariota during offseason workouts in Eugene, where the two spent time training and talking. No cameras, no media-just two quarterbacks sharing the same turf and the same Oregon DNA.
“He’s a great guy, always asking about life, how it’s going,” Nix said. “Just very humble for all that he’s done. One that a lot of us have admired watching over the course of time.”
That humility has followed Mariota throughout his NFL career. Now in his 11th season, he’s known as one of the league’s most respected locker room leaders-someone who puts the team first, no matter the situation. Sunday night was another reminder that even in a backup role, Mariota can still make plays and still make an impact.
His legacy at Oregon was officially cemented earlier this year when he was inducted into the Oregon Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class during the Ducks’ win over USC. It’s a fitting honor for a player who once set the Pac-12 record for touchdowns in a season with 58 and helped elevate Oregon into a perennial powerhouse.
As for Nix, he’s carving out a legacy of his own in Denver. The Broncos are now 10-2, riding a nine-game win streak, and tied with the Patriots for the best record in the AFC. He’s been efficient, composed, and most importantly, consistent-traits that echo the quarterback he once watched on Saturday afternoons in Eugene.
And Nix hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He’s stayed close to the Oregon program, recently making an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show ahead of the Ducks' top-15 matchup with USC. When head coach Dan Lanning joined the show, Nix didn’t hold back in his praise.
“He’s one of the best coaches in America, in my opinion,” Nix said. “He helped me get to where I am today. I owe him a lot.”
QBU no question tonight 💪
— Barstool Ducks (@BarstoolDucks) December 1, 2025
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Lanning, smiling, returned the love: “Love you, buddy. Appreciate you, man. Keep ballin’.”
“Perfect timing,” Nix said with a grin. “I needed to holler at coach anyways.”
It’s clear that for Bo Nix, football isn’t just about stats or standings-it’s about relationships. Whether it’s the bond with his former coach or the respect for a quarterback who once lit up Autzen Stadium, Nix understands the game’s deeper layers. And on a night when the Broncos kept their win streak alive, it was those connections-past and present-that made this one feel a little more special.