Whatever It Takes: The Broncos Became 'True Believers' In Bo Nix Because His Backpack Was Filled With Only Football Stuff During A Meeting

[Source] - It was closing in on noon on a sunny, mild late-winter morning in Eugene, Ore., and Bo Nix was reaching down to grab his bag as he and the Denver Broncos braintrust were wrapping up three hours of meeting time, and getting set to head out to the field for his workout.

What’s in your backpack? Sean Payton asked.

Nix reached inside, and grabbed a roll of tape that he explained he’d need for his ankles if he were going to train. He also pulled out a spare pair of football cleats and a lacrosse ball that he said he’d use for rolling out his back. And what wasn’t in the bag was just as significant.

Mostly because it confirmed the reputation that preceded Nix was real. He was the son of an Auburn quarterback who followed his dad’s legacy, struggled, and then built his own on the other side of the country. The 24-year-old had long cut the image of a gym rat, someone who couldn’t get enough football, and in that moment, that morning, the Broncos became true believers.

I love how stupid this is because I 100% believe it after Sean Payton claiming he tricked the Vikings. These teams look for anything and everything during the Draft process. Bo Nix having a backpack filled with tape, cleats and a lacrosse ball for exercising being the reason they think Nix is the guy? Sure, go ahead. Whatever you think works. Draft Day is apparently the most realistic sports movie of all time. Wonder if all of his teammates showed up for his birthday party. 

I do respect the move by Nix though. Once knew a guy who kept ping pong balls and red cups around him just in case a game ever broke out. Some of us kept an extra pair of sneakers and a basketball in the trunk just in case you got the call or 10 cent text message that a game was breaking out. Whatever it might be, it makes sense to keep shit in your backpack/trunk/whatever being things you might need. Seems pretty logical there. It's the whole prepare for the job you want mentality. The only difference is this job is pro football so what the hell else would be in a backpack when you go to the field? I don't think some old school Playboys and things like that are falling out of a backpack. 

I just can't take any of this shit serious. I love the Draft, but it's mostly stupid. It's educated guessing. We have no idea how the hell these guys are going to play. Nix might be the steal of the Draft, he might be the worst pick ever. We don't know for a few years, but having this story that you're sold on him because of a backpack is so goddamn stupid. Sure it's part of the story, but point to a game or a throw as to why you're sold on him!