Bo Nix and Marcus Mariota Deliver a Sunday Night Showcase-and a Full-Circle Oregon Moment
Sunday night’s thriller between the Denver Broncos and Washington Commanders gave us more than just a one-point nail-biter. It gave us a rare quarterback matchup with deep roots and mutual respect-Bo Nix vs.
Marcus Mariota, two former Oregon Ducks who’ve helped shape the program’s identity in very different eras. And while Denver walked away with the 27-26 win, it was Mariota’s performance, stepping in for the injured Jayden Daniels, that reminded everyone why his name still carries weight in NFL circles.
Mariota, now in his 11th NFL season, has long been known as a consummate teammate and a steady presence in the locker room. On Sunday, he was more than that-he was a gamer.
The Commanders had a shot to steal the win in overtime, but a two-point conversion attempt was batted down on the final play. Still, Mariota left a strong impression, especially on the guy who lined up on the other sideline.
QBU no question tonight 💪
— Barstool Ducks (@BarstoolDucks) December 1, 2025
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Bo Nix didn’t hold back when asked about facing Mariota. For Nix, this wasn’t just a game-it was a moment years in the making.
“A guy like that... he deserves to go out there and perform at that level,” Nix said after the win. “You almost wish both teams could win a game like that.”
That admiration isn’t just lip service. Nix grew up watching Mariota light it up in Eugene, helping elevate Oregon into a national powerhouse and becoming the Ducks’ first-and still only-Heisman Trophy winner. For a young quarterback in elementary school, Mariota wasn’t just a star-he was the blueprint.
“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.
That’s really about when Oregon was put on the map for a lot of us back on the other side of the country. I knew Oregon football was big and knew it was a great destination because of guys like that, because of Marcus.”
That connection eventually became personal. Nix and Mariota crossed paths during offseason training sessions in Eugene, where the two had a chance to talk and build a relationship. For Nix, those moments only reinforced what he already believed about Mariota.
“He’s a great guy, always asking about life, how it’s going, and all that kind of stuff,” Nix said. “Just very humble for all that he’s done.
He’s very humble and just a great player. One that a lot of us have admired watching over the course of time.”
That humility is part of what’s made Mariota such a respected figure in the league. Even in a backup role, he’s the kind of player teammates rally around. And on Sunday night, he reminded everyone that he can still make plays when his number’s called.
The timing of this matchup added another layer of meaning. Just weeks ago, Mariota was inducted into the Oregon Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class during the Ducks’ win over USC. He remains one of the most beloved players in Oregon history, holding the Pac-12 record for most touchdowns in a single season with 58-a mark that still stands as one of the most dominant individual efforts the conference has ever seen.
Meanwhile, Nix is carving out his own legacy at the next level. In just his second NFL season, he’s leading a red-hot Denver Broncos team that’s now 10-2 and riding a nine-game winning streak. The Broncos are tied with the New England Patriots for the best record in the AFC, and Nix is playing with the poise and polish of a veteran beyond his years.
But even as he leads a playoff contender, Nix hasn’t lost touch with his roots. He’s stayed connected to Oregon and its community, and he’s been vocal in his support of Ducks head coach Dan Lanning. Ahead of Oregon’s top-15 showdown with USC, Nix joined The Pat McAfee Show and gave Lanning a heartfelt endorsement.
“He is [an electric coach] and he doesn’t fake it when he gets on screen,” Nix said. “This is what you get at all times, and he’s one of the best coaches in America, in my opinion.
He helped me get to where I am today. I owe him a lot.”
Lanning, who appeared on the show with Nix, returned the love: “Love you, buddy. Appreciate you, man. Keep ballin’.”
Nix smiled and added, “Perfect timing, I needed to holler at coach anyways. That was good.”
It was a fitting moment between a player and coach who clearly share a bond. And it echoed the same respect Nix showed for Mariota-a recognition of the people who helped shape his journey, both on and off the field.
Sunday night was more than just a win for Denver. It was a showcase of two quarterbacks whose paths began in Eugene and whose stories, while different, are deeply intertwined.
One is still proving he belongs in the league’s upper echelon. The other reminded us he never really left.