The Denver Broncos exceeded expectations this season by making the playoffs with a rookie quarterback. Now, the team has made NFL playoff history with Bo Nix and Troy Franklin.
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The rookie duo connected early on Sunday afternoon during a playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Nix dropped back on second-and-four from the Bills' 43-yard line and launched the ball deep. Franklin was open behind two defensive backs, and he brought in the pass for an opening-drive touchdown.
According to CBS Sports, this play marked the first time in NFL playoff history that two rookies connected for a touchdown.
BO NIX AIRS IT OUT 🚀
QB7 continues his hot streak into the playoffs!pic.twitter.com/Slw1QhFUGv
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) January 12, 2025
This fast start didn't hold as the Bills marched down the field twice to take a 10-7 lead in the first half, but Nix and Franklin showed that they could be an exciting duo for Broncos fans well into the future.
Of course, Nix and Franklin are not simply rookies who connected on the Broncos roster. They are very familiar with each other after playing numerous games together in college.
The two players spent two seasons together at the University of Oregon after Nix transferred from Auburn. Nix started 13 games in 2022 and threw for 3,593 yards and 29 touchdowns. Franklin posted 891 receiving yards with nine touchdowns.
Last season was even more productive for the Ducks duo. Nix threw for more than 4,500 yards with 45 touchdowns. Franklin posted nearly 1,400 receiving yards with 14 touchdowns.
The Ducks went 12-2 and reached the PAC-12 Championship. They fell to the Huskies but went on to defeat Liberty 45-6 in the Fiesta Bowl. Months later, they both landed with the Broncos in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nix went 12th overall while Franklin went 102nd overall.
The duo continued producing once they reached the NFL. Nix threw for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns as a rookie. He rushed for 430 yards and four touchdowns.
Franklin had a quieter year considering the number of playmakers on the Broncos' roster. He caught 28 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns as the Broncos went 10-7 to reach the playoffs.
