“He’s got some incredible traits”

Bo-mania has sparked new life within the Broncos organization.

During a groundbreaking event for Denver’s renovation and expansion of team headquarters, team owner/CEO Greg Penner expressed his excitement for rookie Bo Nix taking over as the team’s starting quarterback.

“I’ve been impressed with his poise and maturity,” Penner said Thursday. “I think he’s got some incredible traits.”

When Nix, the 12th overall pick in last spring’s draft, was named starting quarterback last week, Penner said he had a “great” phone conversation with the 24-year-old.

Nix will be Denver’s 14th starting quarterback since Peyton Manning retired and the first rookie to start in a season opener since John Elway in 1983. The Oregon and Auburn product earned the job after completing 23 of 30 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns in two preseason appearances. He rushed for 29 yards on six attempts with no sacks or turnovers.

“All rookies are going to go through some ups and downs in their first season,” Penner said. “I told him, ‘We’re going to support you.’ I’m excited to see what he can do on the field and the rest of this roster.”

The potential surrounding Nix and Denver’s young roster has inspired optimism throughout the organization. Penner said it’s too early to call the offseason a success, but he was impressed with the moves made by head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton during free agency and the draft.

Penner noticed a different kind of enthusiasm, passion and intensity from the team on the first day of organized team activities. The mentality carried over into training camp and preseason.

“It’s a young team, but I’ve got high expectations for what we can accomplish,” Penner said.

Payton has repeatedly referenced a new energy going into his second season as Broncos head coach. Part of that, according to Penner, is that he, Payton and Paton have developed a real sense of partnership, respect and communication.