Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix hoping to get hot in Tampa – literally

Before he played two seasons at Oregon and joined the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Alabama native Bo Nix starred at Pinson Valley High School and served as Auburn 's quarterback for three seasons.

When the Broncos play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Nix is eager to experience the heat and humidity of the Deep South again.

"I love it," Nix said . "I think that's one thing I am actually looking forward to getting back to. I think it's kind of strange because it's going to be hot and humid, and it's going to be uncomfortable for most. But I think, especially quarterback, when you get in the game, you start kind of feeling the effects of the humidity and the temperature, I think that's when it's kind of like high school football all over again. And so, I'm excited for that. I think it's going to play not necessarily a huge role in the game, but I'm excited to get back to it."

After playing the Buccaneers, the Broncos will not return to Denver. Instead, they will practice at the Greenbrier, a resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, before visiting the New York Jets on Sept. 29.

"I think going on trips with your teammates and being able to spend a large amount of time that you're not normally used to spending is always a fun time," Nix said . "I've never been on a team trip, and it's been like, 'Man, I didn't have fun' or 'Man, I wish we could go home early.' Usually we have a great time, and you're able to get away and you kind of change settings, go practice at a different place, be in a different place. I don't think I've ever been to West Virginia in my life.

"But we got an important week ahead of us, and when we take care of Tampa Bay, then we can move on to our road trip. But I do feel like road trips are good for a team."

More stories on the NFL

Nick Saban weighs in on Bryce Young's benching in the NFL

Tua Tagovailoa traveling with Miami Dolphins to Seattle

Packers quarterback Malik Willis taking no anger to Tennessee

The Broncos will be seeking their first victory of the 2024 season in Tampa. Nix opened his NFL career in Denver's 26-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 8. The Broncos lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6 on Sunday.

Broncos coach Sean Payton said he's not concerned Denver's 0-2 start will diminish the rookie quarterback's confidence.

"He's been through the firestorm, if you will," Payton said , "so you're better prepared, you're better served when it comes around again. And by no means are we in that position right now. Obviously, we would have liked to have started better. But my point is he's someone who I think by nature is confident in his preparation and his ability and is not going to be discouraged easily."

Nix has completed 46-of-77 passes for 384 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions and run for 60 yards and one touchdown on nine carries. Nix is the fourth NFL player with at least 77 passes and 60 rushing yards in his first two starts, with former Auburn standout Cam Newton also on the list.

After Sunday's game, Nix said he thought he had taken " a good step ."

Payton said he "felt like we saw steps."

"I would agree with him when I watched the tape," Payton said . "I just finished talking to the team. We're getting in our own way at times relatively to penalties, third downs. Our numbers have to be better. ... But I would definitely say watching the tape – and it's not uncommon after a tough loss like that and then you see some things you're excited about."

The Broncos and Buccaneers will square off at noon CDT Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM'NFL PAGE