The Denver Broncos are on the cusp of an AFC playoff berth, fueled by a dominant first half performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in their regular season finale. Quarterback Bo Nix orchestrated a stunning 21-0 lead, completing an incredible 17 of 17 passes before halftime, culminating in a truly remarkable third touchdown.
This touchdown, a seemingly simple 3-yard pass to wide receiver Devaughn Vele, was anything but. Initially intended for tight end Adam Trautman in the end zone, the pass was deflected by two Chiefs defenders. Instead of going out of bounds, the tipped ball miraculously fell into Vele’s waiting hands, showcasing a breathtaking display of athleticism and a stroke of fortunate luck. This highlight-reel play, dubbed a “tip drill,” quickly went viral.
The touchdown marked Nix’s 18th at Empower Field at Mile High, shattering the NFL record for most home touchdown passes by a rookie quarterback. He surpassed the previous record of 17, jointly held by Russell Wilson (Seahawks, 2012) and C.J. Stroud (Texans, 2023). Nix’s impressive performance underscores his rapid development since his college days at Auburn, where he was an All-State quarterback at Pinson Valley High School. His success is a testament to both his skill and the team’s overall performance. A victory against the Chiefs would solidify the Broncos’ playoff aspirations and further cement Nix’s place in NFL history.