The NFL has stepped in with disciplinary action over Bo Nix ahead of the Denver Broncos facing the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
Nix is out for the rest of the season, and the Broncos placed him on injured reserve on Saturday. He suffered a broken bone in his ankle that required surgery during the Broncos’ win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, but he hopes to be ready for Week 1 of next season.
At the same time, the league has taken additional interest in that win over Buffalo.
Bills’ Pro Bowler Punished Over Broncos’ Bo Nix
GettyJoey Bosa #97 of the Buffalo Bills looks on before a game against the New England Patriots.
According to the NFL’s Gameday Accountability portal on January 24, the league fined five-time Pro Bowler and Bills defensive end Joey Bosa $17,389 over “a hit on a quarterback” and, more specifically, a “late hit” on Nix in the Broncos’ eventual 33-30 overtime victory.
The play occurred during the overtime period, with officials flagging Bosa during the contest.
Nix and the Broncos got a free 15 yards on the drive. The series ended with a game-winning field goal from Denver’s Wil Lutz.
The flag being thrown–for “roughing the passer”–during the game was a strong sign that additional measures against Bosa were possible, if not likely. The NFL often doles out punishment for infractions that went uncalled during contests.
Bosa’s fine was on the lower-end of the scale for a roughing call, despite being a repeat offense.
However, it was on the higher end for a “late hit,” underscoring the significance of the NFL’s final wording on the call.
Nix was injured while scrambling on the following play on a tackle by Bills safety Cole Bishop.
The Broncos are moving forward with former Patriots fourth-round draft pick (133rd overall in 2019) Jarrett Stidham. Stidham noted Nix’s injury is additional motivation for Denver.
“Devastating for him obviously,” Stidham told reporters on January 21. “My heart goes out to him and everything that he means to this team. Because, obviously, we wouldn’t be in this position without Bo. And yeah, I just want to go–I know all of us on offense, and I know the whole team–we want to go out there and make him proud this Sunday.”
Bills CB Tre’Davious White Docked After Loss to Broncos
GettyTre’Davious White #27 of the Buffalo Bills interferes with a pass intended for Marvin Mims Jr. #19 of the Denver Broncos during overtime in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
In addition to Bosa’s hit on Nix, the NFL also punished Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White over a play from the Broncos’ Divisional Playoffs win. White received a $14,222 fine for “unsportsmanlike conduct” over “removal of the helmet.”
White was flagged for pass interference on Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims, two plays after Bosa hit Nix late.
After the ensuing play, Nix’s kneeldown to set up the field goal, White approached an official.
While making comments to the ref, White took his helmet off and threw it down towards the field. It was then that the official called him for unsportsmanlike conduct. The call moved the Broncos 6 yards closer for their attempt than they otherwise would have been.
White was fortunate to avoid anything more. The NFL suspended players for their use of choice language towards officials during the 2025 regular season.
The Broncos will look to keep their season going without Nix.
NFL Delivers Punishment Over Bo Nix Hit as Broncos Make Final Decision