There was plenty of energy around the Broncos' new training camp facility before Friday's practice even got underway. Denver7's Allie Jennerejahn was there early Friday, talking to fans as the excitement started to build.

Fans had arrived early, excited to watch Bo Nix back on the field after the ankle injury that ended his 2025 season. Others were just as eager to get their first look at Denver's new $175 million headquarters, which opened its doors to the public for training camp.

"Seeing Bo Nix at 100%, he looks great. He's throwing well. Also to see [Jaylen] Waddle, Nick Bonitto, all the rest of the team," fan Sean Crumby said on Friday.

The Broncos' new training complex, funded by owners Greg and Carrie Walton Penner, has drawn plenty of attention for its modern design. The facility was built with players in mind, cutting down on long walks between areas like the weight room and practice field, according to Denver 7.

"Looks amazing. The money that they put into it, what they did for the players and the fans. We have a covered bleachers this year, so that will be a lot better than last year," fan Neal Smith told Denver7's Allie Jennerejahn on Friday.

Fan Smith also had one piece of advice for everyone planning to attend.

"You got to get in early or you went get some of those good grab bags. So get here on time and go Broncos," Neal Smith added.

With a healthy roster and a brand-new home, the Broncos opened camp with plenty of optimism surrounding the season ahead.

While fans were eager to watch Nix back in action, head coach Sean Payton offered his own perspective on what makes a Broncos quarterback special.

What part of Bo Nix's game has Sean Payton talking?

With Drew Brees preparing for his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, Payton was asked about the legendary quarterback he coached for so many years.

That conversation eventually turned to Bo Nix and whether there are any similarities between the two.

"I think historically speaking, Bo was the most accurate college passer when you look at a lot of numbers, so that would be the first," Payton said, according to SB Nation.

At the same time, Payton made it clear that he isn't putting Nix in the same category as Brees.

"(It's) a tough comparison for anybody in their third year," he said. "Their personalities are different, of course, but their accuracy and their positioning of the ball is certainly noticed," Payton added.

Nix is entering his third NFL season after making steady progress through his first two years.

While there's still plenty ahead of him, Payton believes the accuracy that made Nix successful in college is already showing up at the NFL level.

What made Bo Nix's return even more exciting for Broncos fans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Read more at the Denver Broncos Community!

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore