Sean Payton and Bo Nix have shown on numerous occasions that they are not afraid to challenge one another, and it looked like there was another example of that during Sunday’s game between the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts.
Payton and Nix had a tense sideline exchange during the Broncos’ 29-28 loss to the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. Nix had come off the field after a drive sputtered out in the second half, and it looked like Payton asked the quarterback a question. It appeared that the first words out of Payton’s mouth were “what happened on…”
Nix gave the head coach a quick response and kept walking. Payton then turned around and walked toward Nix to further the conversation, which got a bit more animated at that point.
Bo Nix and Sean Payton share a moment on the sidelines pic.twitter.com/g38AQV5kq8
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 14, 2025
We know how much Payton likes Nix. The former Super Bowl champion coach drafted Nix 12th overall last year, and he made an extremely bold prediction about the young quarterback heading into the 2025 season.
It is also well known that Payton demands a lot out of his quarterbacks. Drew Brees has spoken about that in the past, and Payton’s style of coaching served Brees well for many years with the New Orleans Saints.
The exchange between Payton and Nix on Sunday was nothing compared to the blowout the two had during a game last year. It was not the first time the two showed their emotions on the sideline, and it almost certainly will not be the last.
Nix went 22/30 for 206 yards, 3 touchdowns and an interception against Indianapolis. He also ran for 20 yards. The Broncos lost after they were called for a controversial penalty on what would have been the final play of the game.
