Broncos name rookie Nix starting quarterback

Head coach Sean Payton has tabbed rookie quarterback Bo Nix as the Denver Broncos' starter, the team announced Wednesday.

Nix beat out veterans Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson for the starting job.

"I'm super excited and ready to get back to work again," Nix said after the announcement.

He added: "The past few weeks, I've felt really comfortable. Getting to a different defense (and) playing these preseason games have really helped me a lot."

Nix has been efficient in his preseason appearances, completing 23-of-30 passes for 205 yards and two scores. He's added six rushes for 29 yards and hasn't taken a sack.

The Broncos selected the 6-foot-2, 217-pounder with the No. 12 pick in April's draft after a standout final collegiate season with Oregon. Nix threw for 4,508 yards with 45 touchdowns against three interceptions. He finished third in Heisman voting behind runner-up Michael Penix Jr. and winner Jayden Daniels.

The 24-year-old will be the first rookie signal-caller to start a Week 1 game for Denver since John Elway did so in 1983, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Nix completed 66.4% of his passes for 15,351 yards, 113 touchdowns, and 26 picks in five seasons with Auburn and Oregon.

The Broncos open their season with a visit to the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 8.