When Bo Nix makes his NFL debut on Sunday, the former Pinson Valley High School and Auburn star will be more than just the Denver Broncos’ starting quarterback. Nix will also be the Denver team’s captain – the first rookie to assume that responsibility for the Broncos since Floyd Little led the team in 1967.
Little developed into one of Denver’s greatest players and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Nix will make his NFL debut against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at 3:05 p.m. CDT.
“It’s an honor,” Nix said of being chosen as team captain by his teammates. “It’s a privilege. I’m excited to be with this group. I’m excited to be captain. I don’t take this lightly. I know it’s a big deal and it hasn’t happened often, but I’m not going to take it for granted. I have to come to work every day and just prove that you can be a captain. But I’m excited to work with these other guys and I think it’s good that we can go out there and set the tone.”
RELATED: BEFORE BO NIX: HOW 8 FORMER AUBURN QUARTERBACKS FADE IN THEIR FIRST NFL START
Nix is one of 15 players from Alabama high schools and colleges serving as team captains in the NFL this season. The others are:
· Defensive End Will Anderson Jr. from the Houston Texans (Alabama)
Los Angeles Chargers center Bradley Bozeman (Alabama)
· Defensive player Derrick Brown (Auburn) from the Carolina Panthers
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (West Alabama)
· Jacksonville Jaguars fullback Josh Hines-Allen (Abbeville)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (Alabama)
· Center Ryan Kelly (Alabama) from the Indianapolis Colts
· Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson (Fort Payne)
· New York Jets linebacker CJ Mosley (Theodore, Alabama)
· Cornerback Patrick Surtain II (Alabama) from the Denver Broncos
· Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)
· Safety Jimmie Ward (Davidson) from the Houston Texans
· New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (Wenonah, Alabama)
· Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (Alabama)
The Las Vegas Raiders have not yet announced their captains, but kicker Daniel Carlson (Auburn) served as the team’s captain last season.
The Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders elected their captains weekly.
The number of team captains ranges from two for the Buffalo Bills to eight for the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.