Majoring in Mentorship

It was a shame that we didn’t get to see Bo Nix play in the AFC Championship game, and potentially the Super Bowl, due a season-ending ankle injury. If his 2026 off-season is anything like that of 2025, Nix will not only be rehabbing his ankle, he will be seeking mentorship from one (or more) of the best QBs in history.

During the Summer of 2025, Broncos head coach Sean Payton revealed that Bo Nix dedicated a significant portion of his offseason to learning from one of the best in the business, Drew Brees, who formerly played for Payton in New Orleans for 15 seasons, winning 152 games and a Super Bowl together.

Nix spent an intensive four to five days with Brees with the intention of mastering the intricacies of the quarterback position, while also seeking the expertise of renowned throwing coach Tom House. Payton points out that Nix proactively reached out to Brees, eager to immerse himself in the nuances of the game as a testament to his planning, intentionality, and hunger for growth.

Read the article:

The piece calls to attention numerous ESSENTIAL STRENGTHS and ESSENTIAL SKILLS from our QB Connections “Red Zone” framework, including:

ESSENTIAL STRENGTHS (Among Others)

• Humility — You don’t go learn from a legend unless you believe you still have room to grow. This strength is about recognizing that no matter how skilled or accomplished you are, there is always room for growth and improvement. It takes a humble mindset to seek out those who have walked the path before you and to be open to learning from their experiences and wisdom.

• Accountability — Nobody assigned him this. He owned it and initiated it. This demonstrates a strong sense of personal responsibility and ownership over his development. Instead of waiting for someone else to suggest or mandate improvement, he took the initiative to seek out opportunities for growth on his own. This proactive approach is a testament to his commitment to becoming the best version of himself.

• Focus — Instead of chasing a dozen offseason “hacks,” he chose a high-leverage learning environment. In a world full of distractions and quick fixes, maintaining focus is crucial.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS (Among Others)

• Finding Mentors (Obviously!) — The key to taking advantage of mentorship lies in actively and intentionally pursuing it. It involves seeking out individuals who can provide guidance, wisdom, and support — and not being afraid to ask for help (another Essential Skill in its own right).

• Building Relationships — This particular mentorship was built on prior relationships, especially that of Brees and Payton. A major benefit of finding mentors is building meaningful relationships with them, and not just getting advice from them in a “transactional” way. By focusing on the mentor relationship you set yourself up for future opportunities and can also be a catalyst for, or provider of, mentorship of others.

• Listening Intently — To spend four or five days with someone, you must really be listening. Adopting a listening posture is crucial. This means focusing on absorbing information rather than just nodding yes or trying to perform. It’s about taking the time to truly understand and internalize the lessons and advice being offered, without the pressure to immediately showcase your own skills or knowledge.

How This Applies to Life

• In the world of business, your next significant advancement might be as simple yet profound as securing some time on someone’s calendar. Whose calendar might you try to get on?

• In the realm of parenting, mentors can provide guidance, support, and encouragement. By offering their wisdom and experience, mentors can help children navigate the challenges and opportunities in life. Who might be helpful to your kids?

   

• In the realm of marriage and relationships, it can be incredibly beneficial to seek guidance from individuals who have experienced long-term “success” in their own marriages. Who do you know who has done it well?

• In your personal life, a network of supportive individuals can provide valuable insights, encouragement, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. What do you need help with at the moment, and how that might you benefit from a mentor?

Doubling down on relationships

In addition to helping Nix forge the relationship with Brees, Sean Payton has decided to reunite with a wide receiver coach who previously worked for him during his time with the New Orleans Saints, in an effort to further support Nix in 2026.

This additional relationship can only help Nix for his third year!

And in case you missed them:

Thanks!